
Glass 
Book 



: 






/ 



LETTERS 



- 



JOHN ANDREWS, ESQ., OF BOSTON, 



1772-177G. 



COMPILED AND EDITED FROM THE ORIGINAL MSS. 
WITH AN INTRODUCTION, 



By WINTIIROP SARGENT. 



*lrprintci> from tin procrcbincjs of the Tftnssncbnsrtis historical Society. 



CAMBRIDGE: 

PRESS OF JOHN WILSON AND SONS. 

18GG. 



L E T T E R 8 



JOHN ANDREWS, ESQ., OF BOSTON. 

1772-177G. 

Compiled and edited from the original MSS. by Winthrop Sargent, for the 
Massachusetts Historical Society. 



INTRODUCTION. 

During the year 1859, Captain George Gibson, jun.,* of the 
United-States Army, being stationed at the United-States ar- 
senal on the Schuylkill, Philadelphia, discovered a number of 

* The attention of the President of this Society was called to these Andrews letters 
in September, 1864, by the following communication: — 

(Cop}-.) Residence of Mr. Geo. Barnard, 

Lynn, Massachusetts, Sept. 17th, 1864. 
Dear Sir, — At the request of my friend, Mr. Barnard, I take the liberty of address- 
ing you in relation to some correspondence discovered by me in a garret room at 
Schuylkill Arsenal, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the year 1859. 

It consisted of a quantity of letters, written by one Joseph Andrews, of Boston, to 
William Barrell, a merchant of Philadelphia, describing the arrival and occupation of 
the former city by the British; the daily street-fights that took place between the 
citizens and the soldiery; the primary meeting and destruction of the tea in the harbor 
by the inhabitants, dressed as Indians; the battles at Lexington and Breed's Hill; in 
fact, many circumstances not known to history, and of which the writer was an eye- 
witness. Being a member of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, I mentioned the 
existence of these papers to Joshua Francis Fisher, Esq., our Vice-President, who 
resides on Walnut Street, between Ninth and Tenth, Philadelphia. At his request, I 
placed them in his possession, he being desirous of having them annotated by an aged 
member of the Society, Mr. Samuel Breck (since deceased), who claimed in some 
way to be connected with the writer, Joseph Andrews. Shortly after this, I was or- 
dered to Washington; consequently am unable to say whether any thing was done in 
the matter or not. 

My impression now is that they should more appropriately belong to the Historical 
Society of Massachusetts; and I have every reason to believe that Mr. Fisher would 
gladly place them in the possession of its members upon being written to. 
I have the honor to be, dear sir, 

with great respect, your obedient servant, 
Geo. Gibson. 
Captain 11th U. S. Regular Infantry. 
Hon. R. C. Winthrop, 

President of the Historical Society of Massachusetts. 



4 I i:n BBS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

papers relating to the affairs of Mr. William Barrel], formerly 
;i merchant in thai city. These papers consisted eliieily of 
letters addressed to Mr. Barrell, by members of his family, 
shortly previous to, ami about the period of, the breaking-out 
of the war of the Revolution; and of two letter-books of Mr. 
Barrell himself, and of Stephen Collins, his administrator, 
extending from May 3, 1771, to July 30, 1783. When or why 
they were left here, 1 have no means of ascertaining; but it 
was probably, in the first instance, merely to keep them 
together in a place of security, where afterwards they re- 
mained undisturbed, because forgotten. 

Captain Gibson handed over these documents to Mr. J. 
Francis Fisher, of Philadelphia, a Corresponding Member of 
the Massachusetts Historical Society, who at once recognized 
the propriety of their being placed among the archives of 
that body. And it is at his suggestion that the preparation 
for publication of a selection of the most suitable parts of 
their contents has been undertaken by me; while the whole 
collection, as it came to his hands, is presented by him to the 
Society . 

The only connected and really interesting series of letters, 
among those now before me, consists of communications ad- 
dressed to Mr. Barrell by his brother-in-law, Mr. John An- 
drews of Boston: and such portion of this correspondence as 
does n. it seem to turn entirely on family matters or details of 
business 1 have here set forth. I may be mistaken; but, in 
my humble judgment, the pages now printed will be found to 
possess a piquancy of style, a freedom of expression, and a 
discrimination in the narration of such particulars of local 
history that a Bostonian residing away from Boston would 
naturally be glad to procure, yet could not expect to find in 
the public journals of the day, that will amply repay the 
perusal of the historical student. The form in which they 
• are here presented by me (somewhat in that of a journal) 
recommended itself not only by its conveniency, but by the 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 5 

reason that in his later and larger communications it was 
adopted by Mr. Andrews himself, some of whose letters were 
thus carried on from day to day, until weeks had elapsed 
between their commencement and their conclusion. 

Of the merits of the correspondence I think very highly. 
There is little of the same description and period that is more 
readable. That they were not written with the faintest idea 
of publication is palpably evident; and their language, there- 
fore, while animated and unrestrained, is sometimes frank, and 
perhaps careless. But a good letter may well be character- 
ized by such traits. The style and method of spelling, too, 
that they present, was that of the age; and differs no more 
from the standard of our own period, than ours will probably 
differ from that of 19 GO. 

Of William Barrell himself, to whom these letters were 
addressed, the following particulars are gleaned from the 
letter-books and other documents in question. He was the 
son of John Barrell, who in 1778 appears to have been dwell- 
ing at London. Of his brothers, there were Joseph, Theodore, 
and Colborn. There were also two sisters, — Ruth)', married 
to John Andrews, Esq., of Boston; and another married to 
Samuel Eliot. Mr. William Barrell seems to have married a 
sister of John Langdon, Esq., of New Hampshire, in which 
Colony (at Portsmouth) he was so early as 17G6 engaged in 
business. Even at this period, he was an uncompromising 
opponent of those acts of the British ministry that finally cul- 
minated in producing revolution. On the 14th of April, 1766, 
he received "the joyful news of the repeal of the cursed 
Stamp Act. God grant we may soon have it confirmed, and 
that all the cursed projectors thereof may meet that just 
infamy and disgrace which is due to every enemy of his 
country !" About October, 1774, he was established in busi- 
ness at Philadelphia by the house of Amory and Taylor, of 
Boston. The undertaking does not seem to have been very 
successful, and was terminated by his death on the 31st of 



(j LETTERS OF JOHN AKDREWS. 

August, 1T7<;. His administrator, Stephen Collins, naively 
writes of this evenl to Mr. William Langdon: "lie did not 
Beem to have any expectations of being near his end, though 
he had his senses to the last, or nearly so, having never made 
any mention of a future stale during his illness." In his life 
he had not only been a warm Whig in opinion and words, 
l.ut seems to have been, at one time at least, in arms for the 
American cause; and, when the British occupied Philadelphia, 
there appears to have been some attempt made by them to 
get at tiie effects he had left behind him. These v\ 
estimated at about £500 or £600 sterling in value. They 
were appraised at £5,719 currency after the English had 
left Philadelphia, and were sold for about £10,000 currency. 
When these letters were first placed in Mr. Fisher's hands, 
he very naturally submitted them to the examination of the 
late venerable Samuel Breck, Esq., — a nephew of Mr. John 
Andrews, — who at once recognized them as the productions 
of his uncle, whom he had formerly known and still remem- 
bered. Mr. Breck urged their preservation in some suitable 
form of publication ; and, with his wonted kindness, communi- 
cated several facts explanatory of circumstances connected 
with them: — 

"Benjamin Andrew?," he said, "alluded to in the letter of 
April 11, 177< - ,. was the elder brother of John. Shortly after this 
date, my uncle Benjamin was writing in his parlor on some business, 
preparatory to a journey into the country the next day. His friend 
Benjamin Hitchborn, a lawyer of eminence, sat near the chimney, 
preparing for use a pair of pistols, — without which, in tliosedays.no 
one ventured to travel, — when, by some awkward turn, the pistol 
which lie held in his hand exploded, and killed Andrews on the spot. 
The very melancholy event was supposed to be accidental ; and 
Hitchborn, who married my widowed aunt, took the best possible 
care of her children by Andrews, whom he educated and established 
in life with true parental affection. 

•• Mr. Breck, so frequently mentioned, was myfather, and brother- 
in-law of John Andrews. During that period of trouble and danger, 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 7 

he removed from Boston temporarily, and brought his wife and two 
children (myself, the eldest, and the late Mrs. dames Lloyd) to 
Philadelphia. On his return to Boston in the autumn of 1775, he 

resumed his commercial pursuits, and was appointed agent for the 
supply of the numerous ships-of-war of the King of France that 
visited Boston after our treaty of alliance. He was for many years 
in succession a member of the Legislature from Boston; and, after 
his removal to Philadelphia in 1792, was elected a Director of the 
first Bank of the United States, in which capacity he was associated 
with that institution until its dissolution in 1809. He was likewise 
appointed one of the commissioners, under "Washington's administra- 
tion, for settling the claims of citizens of the United .States on 
Spain. 

" Robert Hallowell was one of the chief officers in the custom- 
house at Boston under the British Crown, lie was the neighbor and 
friend of my uncle's family. He returned to England, of course, 
with the British army; but after the peace of 1783 he came again to 
America, and settled or founded the town in the State of Maine that 
bears his name. 

" George Erving, who is mentioned the 18th May. 1774, was the 
father or uncle of the American minister Erving, whom President 
Jefferson sent to Madrid. 

"Samuel Adams is so well known in history that I will briefly 
note here what I recollect of him. His residence in Winter Street, 
Boston, was within a few doors of my father's house, and of course 
I saw him frequently. His habits in dress and manners were modest 
and plain. Not being rich, he did not associate with the higher 
circle, such as Hancock, Bowdoin, Higginson, the Russells, and, I 
may add, my father ; yet was always honored by the respectful atten- 
tion of the public, who elected him to the high station of Governor 
after the death of Hancock." 

To the recollections of a member of this Society,* who also 
speaks of what he has himself seen, I am indebted for some 
further observations. Such passages possess in my eyes a 
peculiar and original value. They are the few remaining 
links which connect us of the present day with the characters 
of the Revolution. Of all who knew, or even looked upon, 



# Mr. Lucius Manlius Sargent. 



S LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

the greal men of thai period, comparatively few now remain 
among us; and any thing thai they can relate of their per- 
sonal knowledge of bygone sceno and circumstances in our 
history cannol bul be interesting: — 

"I remember John Andrews, his trim dress, and white-top boots, 
:i i nl powdered hair. He was small of stature. When I knew him, 
he occupied a beautiful estate at the northerly corner of Winter and 
Tremont (then Common) Streets. — an antique wooden house in the 
midsl of a delightful garden, extending down Winter Street, and in 
rear to what is now Hamilton Place. This house was ouce occupied 
by Sir Francis Bernard, probably till the year of his recall, 1769. 
.My mother once poiuted out to me the chamber she occupied when 
she made a visit to the Bernards. At a later period, this estate was 
occupied by Earl Percy. 

" In the first Boston directory ever published (1789) is this entry : 
'Breck, Samuel, Ks<u, Merchant, Common Street.' 

•• lh' is the gentleman named above, and was then the owner of 
this house. lie complained of Bostou taxes, and, removing to Phila- 
delphia, sold the estate to John Andrews. . . . 

"In the letter of April 11, 177<», not long after the evacuation, 
Mr. Andrew- speaks of entertaining General Washington, &c, at 
dinner. Mr. Andrew- then lived, as his sou Henry Andrews tells 
me, in School Street, in a house occupied afterwards by Dr. John 
Warren, brother of Joseph, and father of the late John C. Warren, 
M.D. That house, as I well recollect, stood next above Joshua 
Brackett's tavern, at the sign of Cromwell's Head, upon the site 
where Palmer's fruit-shop now stands." 

Referring to this entertainment of General Washington, 
Mr. Breck says: — 

■■ The last time I saw my uncle in Boston, when he Avas eighty 
year- old, lie related with pride this fact to me." 

Mr. Andrews was elected a selectman of Boston in 178"), 
ami continued in that office until 1790, when he declined to 
serve longer. 

It only remains for me to add, that such passages of the cor- 
respondence us have boon considered rather too free-spokm 



LETTERS OF JOITN ANDREWS. i) 

in regard to domestic events, and therefore as being liable to 
give pain to persons now living, have not been here printed, 
but remain nevertheless unexpunged in the original manu- 
scripts themselves in the possession of the Society. 

CORRESPONDENCE. 

February 24dh, 1772. . . . An unhappy affair happen'd here last 

Saturday. The Gunner and the Captain's Clerk of the Beaver were 
drinking together at Admiral Vernon's Tavern ; being warm'd with 
liquor they quarrell'd, when y* former stabb'd y'. latter with a stilletto, 
which has so injur'd his lungs that his life is despair'd of. The 
Gunuer was immediately committed to jail. . . . Doctor Cooper's Con- 
gregation have at last concluded to pull down their own Cathedral, and 
build as grand a house as our native materials will admit of. They 
have computed it to cost about 7 or £8000 sterling, subscriptions for 
which are gave very generously. John Hancock, who suffers no body 
to outdoe him iu acts of publick utility, has generously gave £1000 
lawful money towards so necessary a work : Mr. Bowdoin, £200 : 
Pitts, Erving, J. Gray, £100 sterling each, and others in proportion. 

September 3rd. Yesterday died old Justice Ruddock, y°. most cor- 
pulent man among us, weighing, they say, betAveen 5 and 600 weight. 

December 25th. . . . Yesterday your aunt Anna spent the day with 
us, and I like her much ; more especially as she has promised to rum- 
mage up and make me a present of an ancient roman coin (one of the 
twelve Caesars) which will make me possess'd of five of that kind, 
besides a variety of more modern ones, having lately made an acqui- 
sition of one of Claudius Caesar's and another of Domitiau's ; and this 
day bought for old silver a fine large medal of y! Emperor Constan- 
tine y* great's. I mention this, that in case any of the kind (hat are 
genuine should come within your knowledge, you would, if possible, 
procure them for me. I expect a laugh from you ; but no matter for 
that, every one has their whims and I have mine. . . . Our season 
has been most remarkably fine : till last evening we have not had half 
an inch of snow, and then fell only about an inch and a half, and 
clear'd up today as warm and pleasant as in September ; and what's 
most remarkable, that not a day in this month but y e Sun has shone 
pleasant, either half or the whole of the day. 

March loth, 1773. Our general Court have passed an act to limit 

2 



10 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

the number of four vendue masters for this town, and nol more; to 
be entirely at the disposal and direction of y' Select Men: in con- 
sequence dl which, many have petition'd their high mightim 
for that lucrative employment, which takes place y. 29th instant. A 
\ ery judicious act ! Likewise our \ erj respectable Town meeting have 
voted to have 300 lamps properly dispos'd to light this town — a thing 
I have long wish'd for. 

March \&ih. Should nol have sent the scroll, intended to have 
gone by (lunch, without transcribing, would my convenience have 
admitted of it. 

Have enclos'd you Doctor Church's Oration delivered y* 5th in- 
stant, as well as one deliver'd by James Lovell last year/ 

I suppose you must have seen reprinted in your papers the mes- 
■ passing to and from our < h>\ ernor and house of Representath es 
respecting the most important matter of right of parliament to tax 
America, which have been very lengthy on both sides, frequently filling 
up near a whole paper. We ha\ e had an inno\ ation here ne\ er known 
betbn a Drum or Rout given by the Admiral last Saturday eve- 
ning, which did not break up till 2 or -"> o'clock on Sunday morning, 
tlnir chief amusement being playing cards. 

Jinn- \tli. The minds of people are greatly agitated, on account 
of some original letters that have been sent from London to the gen- 
eral Court, that were wrote some three or lour years since by the 
Governor .and Lieutenant Governor and Auchmuty, &c, very much 
to the prejudice of the province, and recommending or rather urging 
y'. necessity of all yl measures which have been lately taken with US : 
also pointing out y". absolute necessity of taking off five or six of y'. 
leaders in yl opposition, such as Otis, Adams. &c., enumerating their 
several names: without which, they say, it is impracticable to accom- 
plish their plans. The Lieutenant < rovernor strongly recommends (in 
one of his letters) his son Daniel as Secretary for yl province. Thus 
much has transpired respecting them, as they are enjoin'd not to be 
publish'd. Am almost every minute taken oil' with agreeable sight 
of our militia companies marching into the Common, as it is a grand 
field day with us; and 1 assure, were you to see 'em. you'd scarcely 
believe your eyes, they are so strangely metamorphos'd. From mak- 
ing the most despicable appearance they now vie with the best troops 
in his majesties sen ice, being dress'd all in blue uniforms, with drums 



* He should have said "the year before last." — Eds. 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 11 

and fifes to each company dress'd in white uniforms trim'd in y'. most 
elegant manner; with a company of Grenadiers in red with every 
other apparatus, that equal any regular Company I ever saw both in 
regard to appearance and discipline, having a grand band of musick 
consisting of eight that play nearly equal to that of the 64th. What 
crowns all is the Cadet company, being perfectly compleal and under 
the best order you can conceive of, with a band of musick likewise. 
that perform admirably well. "What with these and Paddock's com- 
pany of artillery make y'.' eoniplcatcst militia in America : not a drum- 
mer, lifer, am! scarcely a soldier but what are in compleat uniforms 
and thoroughly instructed in the military exercises. In addition to 
all this the Town House is fitted up in the most elegant manner, with 
the whole of the outside painted of a stone color, which gives it a fine 
appearance. 

ml" r 29$. Hall and Bruce* arriv'd Saturday evening with 
each an hundred and odd chests of the detested Tea. \\' Iiat will 
be done with it, can't say : but I tremble for y'.' consequences should 
y . consignees still persist in their obstinacy and not consenl to reship 
it. They have softened down so tar as to olQfer it to the care of Coun- 
cil or the town, till such times as they hear from their friends in 1 
land, hut am perswaded, from the present dispositions of y". people, 
that no other alternative will do, than to have it immediately sent hack 
to London again. . . . X. hells are ringing for a general muster, and 
a third vessel is now arriv'd in Nantaskel road. Handbills are 
stuck up, calling upon Friends! Citizens! ami Countrymen! 

December 1st, Having just return'd from Fire Club, and am now, 
in company with the two Miss Masons and Mr. Williams of your 
place, at 8am. Eliot's, who has been dining with him at Coll Han- 
cock's, and acquaints me that Mr. Palfrey sets off Express for New 
York and Philadelphia at five o'clock tomorrow morning, to commu- 
nicate yl transactions of this town respecting the tea. ... 1 acquainted 
you that Bruce and Hall had arrived, which was a mistake, as only 
Hall has arriv'd; which has caus'd y'. most spirited and linn conduct 
to be observ'd that ever was known : the regularity ami particulars of 



* By Hall and Bruce, Mr. Andrews signifies vessel?, the commanders of which bore 

i i;im«--. This was an idiom of these days: witness Defoe, in the Life of Captain 

r xii.), — " We found the fellows were hearty in their resolution, and 

jolly brisk sailors they were: so I told them I would do nothing without our admiral, 

that was the captain of the other ship; so [sent my pinnace on board Captain Wilmot, 

to desire him to come on board," &c. 



12 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

which proceedings Mr. Palfrey will be able to tell you. The con- 
signees have all taken their residence at the Castle, as they still persist 
in their refusal to take the tea hack. Its not only y'. town, bul the 
country are unanimous against the landing it, and at the Monday and 
Tuesday Meetings, they attended to the Dumber of some hundreds 
from all the neighboring towns within a dozen miles: — 'twould puz- 
zle any person to purchase a pair of p — Is in town, as they are all 
bought up, with a full determination to repell force by force. 

December 18th.* However precarious our situation may he, yet 
such is the presenl calm composure of the people that a stranger 
would hardly think that ten thousand pounds sterling of the East India 
Company's tea was destroy'd the night, or rather evening before last, 
yet it- a serious truth; and if your's, together with j*. other South- 
ern provinces, should rest satisfied with their quota being stor'd. poor 
11. ..-ton will feel the whole weight of ministerial vengeance. How- 
ever, its the opinion of most people that we stand an equal chance 
now, whether troops are sent in consequence of it or not ; whereas, 
had it been stor'd, we should inevitably have had 'em, to enforce the 
sale of it. — The affair was transacted with the greatest regularity 
and de-patch. .Mr. Rotch finding he exposed himself not only to the 
loss of his -hip lmt for y' value of the tea in case he sent her hack 
with it, without a clearance from (lie custom house, as y". Admiral kept 
a -hip in readiness to make a seizure of it whenever it should sail 
under those circumstances; therefore declin'd complying with his for- 
mer promises, ami absolutely declar'd his vessel should not carry it, 
without a proper clearance could be procur'd or he to he indemnified 
for the value of her : — when a general muster was assembled, from 
this and all y* neighbouring towns, to the number of five or six thou- 
sand, at 10 o'clock Thursday morning in the Old South Meeting house, 
where they pass'd a unanimous vote that the Tea should go out of the 
harbour that afternoon, and sent a committee with Mr. Botch to y°. 
Custom house to demand a clearance, which the collector told 'em w as 
not in his power to give, without the duties being first paid. They 
then senl Mr. Rotch to Milton, to ask a pass from y 1 : Governor, who 
sent for answer, that "consistent with the rides of government and 
" his duty to the King he could not grant one without they produe'd 

* The original of this letter, when first discovered at the Arsenal, bore and still 
bears abundant evidence of the interest which its contents must have excited in Phila- 
delphia. It has been so thumbed and worn, doubtless by passing from one curious 
hand to another, that it fairly hangs in shreds. 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 13 

" a previous clearance from the office." — By the time he return'd -with 
this message the candles were light in [the] house, and upon reading 
it, such prodigious shouts were made, that indue'd me, while drinking 
tea at home, to go out and know the cause of it. The house was so 
crouded I could get no farther than y" porch, when I found the mod- 
erator was just declaring the meeting to he dissolved, which caused 
another general shout, out doors and in, and three cheers. What 
with that, and the consequent noise of hreaking up the meeting, you'd 
thought that the inhabitants of the infernal regions had hroke loose. 
For my part, I went contentedly home and finish'd my tea, hut was 
soon inform'd what was going forward : hut still not crediting it with- 
out ocular demonstration, I went and was satisfied. They muster'd, 
I'm told, upon Fort Hill, to the number of about two hundred, and 
proceeded, two hy two, to Griffin's wharf, where Hall, Bruce, and 
Coffin lay. each with 114 chests of the ill fated article on hoard ; the 
two former with only that article, but y' latter arriv'd at y e . wharf only 
y e . day before, was freighted with a large quantity of other goods. 
which they took the greatest care not to injure in the least, and before 
nine o'clock in v'. evening, every chest from on board the three vessels 
was kuock'd to pieces and flung over y c . sides. They say the actors 
were Indians from Narragansett. Whether they were or not. to a 
transient observer they appear'd as such, being cloath'd in Blankets 
with the heads muffled, and copper color'd countenances, being each 
arm'd with a hatchet or axe, and pair pistols, nor was their dialed 
different from what I conceive these geuiusses to speak, as their jargon 
was unintelligible to all but themselves. Not the least insult was 
offer'd to any person, save one Captain Conner, a letter of horses in 
this place, not many years since remov'd from dear Ireland, who had 
ript up the lining of his coat and waistcoat under tin' arms, and watch- 
ing his opportunity had nearly fill'd 'em with tea, but being detected, 
was handled pretty roughly. They not only stripp'd him of his cloaths, 
but gave him a coat of mud, with a severe bruising into the bargain ; 
and nothing but their litter aversion to make any disturbance pre- 
vented his being tar'd and feather'd. 

Should not have troubled you with this, by this Post, hadn't I 
thought you would lie glad of a more particular account of so impor- 
tant a transaction, than you could have obtain'd hy common report ; 
and if it affords my brother but a temporary amusement. 1 shall be 
more than repaid for the trouble of writing it. 

The weather as yet continues with us very mild and at the same 



1 1 u DTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

time very unhealthy. An inflammatory fever prevails much. This 
evening one of the mosl amiable and accomplish'd girls among us, a 
daughter of Henderson [nches, was incorporated with her mother 
earth, after only four days sickness. Such i- y. sudden transition 
after being seiz'd; and last Wensday, Mrs. Johonnot, eldest daugh- 
ter of Doctor Cooper, was carried to her grave. . . . 

Sunday Evening. [December 19$.] I give you joy of your easy 
riddance of the banefull herb; being jusl inform'd by y'. arrival of the 
post, thai it'- gone from whence it came. You may bless your Btars 

that you have nol a II n and board of Commissioners residenl 

vvitli you. — I forgot to acquaint you Last evening thai Loring, in a 
brig belonging to Clark, one ofy° consignees, is on shore at y'. back 
of Cape Cod, drove thither by a storm lasl Fryday week, who has the 
last quota of Tea for this place, being 58 chests, which compleats the 
400. — Am inform'd some Indians were met on y: road to Plimouth, 
which is almost fifty miles this side of Cape Cod. Its unlucky that 
Loring has y". lamps on board for illuminating our streets. Am sorry 
if they are lost, as we shall be depriv'd of their benefit this winter in 
consequence of it. 

April 1 I/A. 1771. Have inclos'd you the anniversary oration de- 
liver'd by Col: Hancock. Its generally allowed to be a g 1 com- 
position (and asserted to be his own production), both spirited and 
nervous. I can't myself judge of its merit, as I did not hear it deliv- 
er'd, nor have I allow'd myself time to peruse it, since its publication. 
May 18th. — Imagine to yourself the horror painted in the laces 
of a string of slave- condemn'd by the Inquisition to perpetual drudg- 
ery at the oar ! Such is the dejection imprinted on every countenance 
we meet in this once happy, but now totally ruin' d town. — Yes. Bill, 
nothing will save us but an entire stoppage of trade, both to England 
and the West Indies, throughout the continent : and that must be de- 
termin'd as speedily as absolutely. The least hesitancy on your part 
to the Southerd, and the matter is over ; we must acknowledge and 
ask forgiveness for all past offences, whether we have been guilty of 
any or no ; give up the point so long contested : and acknowledge the 
right of parliament to d — n us whenever they please : and to add to 
all this, we must pay for an article unjustly forced upon us with a 
sole view to pick our pockets (not that I would by any means justify 
the destruction of that article): when that is done, where are we? 
Why, in much the same situation as before, without one flattering 
hope of relief: entirely dependant on the will of an arbitrary .Mini- 



LITTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 15 

ter, who'd sacrifice the Kingdom to gratify a cursed revenge. A 
more convincing proof we can'l have than in the present Act for 
blocking up our Port, which could not have Keen more severely and 
strongly express'd it' all the Devils in the infernal regions had had a 
hand in the draughting it. 

Shall endeavor to content myself to stay here till I see what turn 
affairs will take. If to my liking, well : if not, shall look out for 
some other place of residence, as I sincerely believe they intend to 
put their tin-eat- in execution ; which is. to make the town a desolate 
wilderness, and the grass to grow in our streets. 

Our Militia was yesterday muster'd for the reception of General 
Gage, who was proclaim'd Governor, amid the acclamations of the 
people. lie express'd himself as sensible of the unwelcome errand he 
came upon, hut as a servant of the Crown, he was obliged to see the 
Act put in execution: but would do all in his power to serve us. 
Whether they were only words of course or not, can't say ; am a little 
doubtfull. There was an elegant entertainment provided for him at 
Faneuil Hall, and after a number of toasts gave by him, in which the 
prosperity of the town of Boston was included, he gave Governor 
Hutchinson, which was received by a general hiss. Such is the 
detestation in which that tool of tyrants is held among us. 

May Gage be both impower'd, ami inclin'd to close 
The wounds now opening by our cruel foes! 

May N h repent for his obdurate heart! 

Deep feel the stings of an avenging dart: 
And ere his impious wishes shall be sped, 
May he be nuraber'd with the guilty dead! 
And while fresh lawrells shall adorn the brave, 
May noisome weeds grow thick upon his grave! 
Till his ill /, sti </ name be known no more. 
And we forget the woes we now implore ! 

• • • The damn'd arch traitor, as he is call'd, is very much cha- 
grin'd at being superseded, as its only last Thursday when he gave 
orders for repairs to his houses in town and country, and upon v' 
workman's suggestions that he wotdd he succeeded soon, he said it 
was like many other reports that prevail'd, for that he had all y". satis- 
faction he could wish for or expect from home, and every pari of 
his conduct was entirely approv'd of. and left to his option whether 
to enjoy y*; Government or go to England. But now a guilty con- 
science has indue'd him to take refuge at y. Castle. It> reported 
here that your Government, as well as New York, is to be chang'd 



1G LETTERS OF JOHN AJTDBEWS. 

and remov'd, the one to Burlington and the other to Amboy, with 
requisitions made upon both, and more particularly upon Rhode 
[sland. 

May 18<A. — Since mine to you of this same date, we have had 
advice from Salem, Newbury, etc'a., that they will haul up all their 
vessels, and stop every trade, provided it becomes general through the 
continent. At the same time, we have many among us, who are for 
compromising matters, and put forward a subscription to pay for the 
Tea. George Erving has declar'd this day. thai if it should lie pro- 
moted, lie is ready to put down two thousand pounds sterling towards 
it, and will take it upon himself to wait on Governor Gage and 
know what lii- demands upon US are — which circumstance J™ 
Amory mentioned at \ v . town meeting this day. which was in general 
rejected, though he urged the matter much. 

June \.2th. — If my last was in a desponding stile, I'm sure I 
have much more reason to he so now; as ought else than poverty 
and distress stares us in the face. Our committee of correspond- 
ence, not content with the calamities already come upon us, have 
issued out letters to every town in the province (without consulting 
y'. town in regard to the expediency of such a measure) accompa- 
nied with a Solemn League and covenant, so stil'd, for every inhab- 
itant in each town to sign, whereby they obligate themselves by the 
most sacred oaths not to purchase any kind of goods fabricated in 
England, either already here, or that may be hereafter imported. 
Such is the cursed zeal that now prevails: animosities run higher 
than ever, each party charging the other as bringing ruin upon their 
country; that unless some expediency is adopted to get the Port open 
by paying for the tea (which seems to be the only one) am afraid we 
shall experience the worst of evils, a civil war, which God avert ! — 
The trailing part promis'd themselves a general compliance with the 
tenor of the Act would have been readily come into in making com- 
pensation for the Tea, after being assur'd the other provinces would 
not adopt y'.' plan propos'd ; but, instead of that, those who have gov- 
ern'd the town for years past and were in a great measure the authors 
of all our evils, by their injudicious conduct — are grown more obsti- 
nate than ever, and seem determiu'd to bring total destruction upon 
us : which may be sufficiently evinced by all their conduct. They 
not only intend to deprive us of trade in future, but render us utterly 
incapable of contributing that assistance which will be absolutely 
necessary for the support of the indigent the approaching fall and 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 17 

winter, by their cruel endeavors to stop the little inland trade we 
expected. 

Our wharfs arc intirely deserted ; not a topsail vessel to be seen 
cither there or in t lie harbour, save the ships of war and transport, 
the latter of which land their passengers in this town tomorrow. 
Four regiments are already arriv'd, and four more are expected. 
How they are to he disposed of, can't say. Its gave out, that it' 
y? General Court don't provide barracks for 'em, they are to he 
quarter'd on y! inhabitants in y! fall : if so, am determin'd not to 
stay in it. The executors of the Act seem to strain points beyond 
what was ever intended, for they make all v. vessels, both with grain 
and wood, entirely unload at Marblehead before they'll permit 'em 
to come in here, which conduct, in regard to y". article of wood 
has already greatly enhanced the price, and the masters say they 
won't come at all, if they are to he always put to such trouble, as 
they are oblig'd to hire another vessel to unload into, and then to 
return it back again, as they have no wharves to admit of their 
landing it on. Nor will they sutler any article of merchandize. 
to be brought or carrv'd over Charles river ferry, that we are oblig'd 
to pay for 28 miles land carriage to get our goods from Marble- 
head or Salem. Could till up a number of sheets to enumerate 
all our difficulties. 

July 22nd. — Previous to my receiving your two favors of the 6th 
and 22nd June, I wrote you by Mr. Pollard of your place, when 
I made some observations on the solemn League "ml Covenant, 
which I had not then seen, as it was not known to lie in being in this 
town (hut by the few who promoted it) till near a month after it had 
been circulated through the country : in which time it went through 
whole towns with the greatest avidity, every adult of both sexes 
putting their names to it, saving a very few. It was sent out in 
printed copies by the Clerk to the Committee. W. Cooper, who ac- 
companied it with a letter intimating that the measure was in general 
adopted here, whereas upon enquiry I can't find that a single person 
in the town has signed it — and the only excuse they now make for 
so absurd a piece of conduct is, that it originated altogether from the 
country, without any of their advice or interposition; thinking so 
palpable a falsehood will remove the just prejudices of the more 
rational and judicious people among us.* 



* The Solemn League and Covenant here referred to was a covenant between the 
people in the various towns lo suspend all commercial intercourse with Great Britain 

3 



I - LETTERS OF JOHN ANDR1 

Thai you may judge for yourself of the propriety of mj entering 
my protest against their conduct in that particular, have enclos'd you 
the Covenant, with many sensible remarks upon it, together with the 
two protests; y: latter of which (among y c . number of y respective 
rs, you'll observe, I have the honor to be one) is humourously 
call'd the TAtth Popt ; the declaration following it. (wherein our 
reasons for a dissent are given in a inure explicit manner than in the 
protest) should be glad you'd attend to. We don't mean to oppose 
any general measure thai maybe adopted by the Congress, but are 
well dispos'd in the cause of Freedom as any of our opponents, and 
would equally oppose and detest Tyranny exerciz'd either in England 
<>r America. For ray own part. I did ool expect the vote would 
have been put as it was ; u .. to censure and dismiss y* ( lommittee : 
but rather expected it would tend only to order them to suspend y". 
Covenant till y? Congress should meet. But the just resentmenl of 
the Addressers* on hearing the letters read that were senl to your 
place and New York (the latter in particular) in regard to thai part 
of their conduct, rais'd such warm emotions in their breasts, that 
nothing less than the committee's being annihilated would satisfy 'em. 
Our brother Eliot t display'd his eloquence in a long speech upon 
the subject, deliver'd in so masterly a stile and manner as to gain 
v' plaudits of perhaps the largest assembly ever conven'd hen', by an 
almost universal clap : wherein he deliver'd his sentiments with that 
freedom and manliness peculiar only to himself. He related his own 
particular case, as expecting a large quantity of goods which, should 
they arrive, he can't possibly qualify himself to sell according to the 
tenor of the Covenant, having countermanded 'em no other ways 
than to have "em shipped, provided your place, with New York. 
Rhode [sland, &c, should have their goods as usual: and from the 
determination of those places, he has all the reason in the world to 
expect them. My own case is somewhat similar to his, having 
countermanded my orders by the first opportunity after the Port Bill 



until the obnoxioi i re repealed; to buy no goo Is imported after August, 1771; 

to break off all relations with those who should continue to import or buy such _ 
aud to discountenance, so far as might be, all who should not sign this covenant 

• rhe Addressers were one hundred and twenty-three Bostonians, supporters of 
nor Hutchinson, who, i of May, 177 1. presented him with a "warm, 

affectionate, and respectful" address, on occasion of his departure for England, 
hundred and twenty-nine citizens signed the protest against the proceedings of this 
town meeting of dune. 

ton, whose wife was the sister of William Barrel! and of the 
\\ ife of John Andrews. 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 19 

arriv'd, and of consequence acquiesced with a non-importation agree- 
ment when propos'd aboul three or four weeks alter: but upon y". 
measure not being adopted by the Southern Colonies, I embrac'd the 
firsl opportunity and re ordered aboul one fourth pari of such goods 
as I thought would be most iu demand, and behold! in aboul three 
or four weeks after that, 1 heard of y: amazing progress the non- 
consumption agreement had made through y e . country ; which, in my 
opinion, has serv'd rather to create dissentions among ourselves than 
to answer any valuable purpose. 

Ii- about a fortnight or three weeks since the talk of Govern- 
ment's taking up and sending home a number from this town, was 
matter of great speculation here, which caus'd much uneasiness 
among the mosl thinking part of the community least such a step 
should cause comniolions that would prove fatal to the town. At 
present the affair seem- to he blown over, though the high I'vlrwt]^ to 
Government promise themselves great things upon the arrival of 
the Scarborough, which is hourly expected with the two last Acts, 
compleated by the royal sanction. 

its reported tor fact, both last evening and this morning, that a 
country team was stopped by y e . guards upon the Neck and riffled of 
two firelocks that they were carrying into the country. Certain I 
am that. the Governor has order'd the Keeper of the Province's Mag- 
azine not to deliver a kernel of powder (without, his express order) 
of either public or private property: which is attended with great in- 
convenience to the dealers in that article, as he is, for the most part 
of his time, at Salem, and a personal attendance i.^ necessary to 
procure an order. 

Yesterday one Harris, a baker, with two of his apprentices, were 
fiu'd ten pounds sterling each by Benjamin Girdley, lately made a 
Justice of y: Peace, for enticing and assisting a soldier to desert, by 
furnishing him with cloaths and carrying him 20 miles from town 
in a chaise. The soldier has since returned and produc'd the above 
sentence, which they are to comply with in four day- or sutler three 
months imprisonment. 

What will lie the event of these things it< impossible to say; but 
we promise ourselves that y® Congress will adopt such salutary meas- 
ures as may in y e . end prove efficacious to our relief as wtdl as bene- 
ficial to y: whole continent. 

Before the sealing this i am inform'd that V. Governor, previous 
to his going out of town yesterday morning deliver'd up the keys of 



20 LET'l ERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

the Powder house to Slyde again, witli liberty to deliver ae usual, 
but nol in such enormous quantities as about a month Bince ; being 
inforni'd that he deliver'd near two thousand barrels in y' course of 
aboui a fortnight, which gave some alarm to the troops, together 
•with an Illjudged pun of Doctor Byles's, who intimated to some of 
tlic Corps thai "ii the 1 lih June, forty thousand men would rise up 
in opposition to them with the clergy at their head, and left them to 
suppose it a fact ; without explaining the matter, thai on thai day a 
genera] fasl was to be observ'd throughoul the province. 

August 1st. — I wrote you a long letter, the 22nd ultimo, by one 
Mr. Marshal] of your place, which 1 wish sate to hand, a- it con- 
tains matters that I should he sorry tor you not to see. Ii I remem- 
ber right, one paragraph mention'd a waggon's being riffled of four 
firelocks by the Centinel on guard upon y\ Neck, which 1 have since 
been inform'd is a fact, and that the officer of the day return'd them 
and pleaded much with the party injur'd not to prosecute the matter. 
as it mighl lie consider'd as a military robbery: which leads me to 
think that notwithstanding their hostile preparations ami formidable 
appearance, they as yet esteem themselves as liable to the civil law : 
whether their dispositions when the two infernal acts arrive, with the 
royall assent, I can't say. From their long delay in coming, am in 
hopes they are suspended, as the latest accounts we have from 
England are of the 14th May. at which time they hail passed the 
two houses eighl days, when a man of war was under sailing orders 
waiting only lor their completion to bring 'em out, and its now eleven 
weeks since. GOD grant that may he tin; case! — 

A few days since fifteen officers din'd at a house towards New 
Boston, improv'd by one of the Miss Erskines (a family noted for 
their hospitality and kindness to strangers, in admitting all comers to 
their b — d and hoard) where towards evening they committed all 
manner of enormous indecencies, by exposing their anterior-, as well 
as their posteriors, at the open windows and doors, to the full view of 
people, either men or women, that happened to pass by. with a greal 
deal of opprobrious language, which caused a number of boys t>> 
gather round the house, at whom they presented pistols, and threat- 
ened to lire among 'em, when at dusk they began to break up and go 
off, two or three at a time, insulting people as they pass'd the Streets. 
1 happened to he going up that way (to Breck's) at the time, when 
I met two who had just come out of an apple shop, where they had 
been turning over all the old woman's things. They'd scarcely 



LETTERS OF JOHN WIMM'WS. 2 L 

passed me, when they insulted two men by running their fists in 
their laces and damning them (which men were in y'.' principal affray 
afterwards and took away a sword and shoulder knot from one of 
'em) : a few steps further, another came running, as the only expedi- 
ent to avoid making Virginia fences, when became full against me, 
made a handsome apology, begged my pardon, and went on. About 
five minutes from this (when I had pass'd) the remainder, being live 
in number, sallied out with their cutlasses drawn, and met Abra 
Hunt, wine cooper (a well built, nervous fellow) with his wife, the 
latter of whom they began to abuse: at which the husband (b< 
provided with a hickory walking stick) aim'd a blow at y". officer's 
head, and laid it open ; and had he not been prevented by y. inhabi- 
tants from repeating his stroke, he must have demolish'd him: upon 
which they all laid about with their weapons and cleared the street of 
all the inhabitants, save Samuel dan is. Samuel Pitts, one Fullerton, 
a chairmaker, y" man mentioned above, and a aegro fellow, each of 
whom disarmed one without hurting 'em, save the negro, who 
knock'd bis down with a billet of wood that he took from a pile that 
lay in the street. Samuel Pitts only of the inhabitants got wounded 
in the affray, having parried oil" several of their blows with his cane. 
One stroke in particular aim'd at him must inevitably have lay'd his 
scull open, which he had not opportunity to guard against, having 
two upon him at once; hut. fortunately for him, he was standing 
against a fence and y'. cutlass struck against it, just above bis head. 
and retarded the stroke, which was immediately repeated across his 
belly, when he received it upon his left hand, whereby his knuckles 
are split open aud he is likely to lose y. c use of two or three fingers. 
lie receiv'd the swords from those who had taken 'em and return'd 
with the officers to y? bouse they came from, where they sent for 
y'.' surgeon of y'. regiment and dress'd his wounds as well as the 
others, and upon their professing a sorrow for what they had done. 
and begging his pardon, he redeliver'd their swords (for which he is 
much blam'd) and the next morning acknowledg'd himself fully sat- 
isfied, by their concessions, for the injury he had receiv'd, at which 
his father was much vex'd, and threatned absolutely to disinherit 
him, if he did not prosecute the matter. Upon the whole, the Select- 
men took cognizance of the affair, and chose a committee of four 
from their number to wait upon Karl Piercy (who commands in y. 
Governor's absence) and acquaint him with it. who treated them 
vei-y politely (and made many apologies that his marque would not 



22 I.Ki! ER8 OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

afford better accommodations for them) and express'd himself much 
displeas'd with their (y: officers) conduct, and told 'em he would take 
effectual means to prevent the like behaviour in future, and further 
assur'd them, that if they chose to enter a prosecution in civil law, 
he would see that ev'ry of the culprits were deliver'd up. 

The executors of the cursed Port Bill seem determin'd to put con- 
structions upon it, that, am perswaded, was never intended by the 
/. islators ; in particular, in regard to launching vessels, which, they 
•jim- nut, they shall seize immediately upon their being water borne — 
At present, there is aboul ten or a do/en ships on the stocks, nearly 
or quite ready to launch (the latter they are oblig'd to till with water 
for their preservation) one of which belongs to your brother Cole, 
and the rest principally to Scotsmen : which circumstance makes the 
matter rather less grievous to the town, as their countrymen, we are 
inform'd, were the chief promoters of the Bill for which they now 
sutler in common with the inhabitants, as they have cargoes of 
tobacco now laying ready for them in Virginia, to take home to Scot- 
land as freight. 

I forgot formerly to acquaint yon that Ruthy and I were at 
Betsy Checkley's wedding, at which we were entertain'd with a very 
pretty collation, consisting of cold ham. cold roast beef, cake, cheese, 
iVc. [ts about three weeks since her mother and grandmother have 
retir'd to the upper end of Roxbury with their families, together with 
that amiable maiden, their cousin, Sally Hatch, and the family 
with which she resided, so that (including the Roxbury people resi- 
dent with them) they compose an agreeable social family of about 
twenty four or five and twenty females, with the master of the house 
a worthy Deacon of the parish, that Mrs. Checklej is perfectly easy 
in her mind, and says she enjoys more comfort and satisfaction in 
life than she has done since her husband's decease; which really 
gives me great pleasure, as she is a very worthy, amiable woman, 
and deserving of much better fortune than has fallen toher share.* 

A.mong the innumerable hardships we sutler, that of not being 
suffer'd to convey any sort of merchandize across the ferry is not the 
leasl ; whereby we are necessitated to receive every kind of goods 
from Marblehead or Salem via Cambridge, which adds one third to 
the length of the way, which is attended with the expence of eight 



;kley was the widow of the Rev. Samuel Checkley, of the XV. 
(now Summer-street) Church. Her daughter Elizabeth was married to Samuel Adams. 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 23 

dollars a load for about 28 or 30 miles, or 40/ lawful money at y; 
lowesl rate it is done for. It is do uncommon thing to hear the 
carriers and waggoners, when they pass a difficult place in y'. road. 
to whip their horses and damn Lord North alternately: — nor are 

the coasters who bring wood and grain allowed to carry away any 
more provisions and stores than will suffice to last 'em to Salem. 
much less permitted to carry any sort of merchandize or utensils 
for farming, whereby I am depriv'd of the sale of at least two thirds 
of yl goods I usually us'd to vend, and of the other third I am in a 
manner totally depriv'd of, by the operation of the ill-judg'd policy of 
our committee, in promoting that bane to harmony, the solemn 
League and Covenant : — that really, Bill, I think myself well off to 
take Cash enough to supply the necessary demands of my family, and 
you may as well ask a man for the teeth out of his head as to request 
the payment of money that he owes you (either in town or country, 
as we are all alike affected) for you'll be as likely to get the one as the 
other: notwithstanding which, there seems to be ease, contentment, 
and perfect composure in the countenance of almost every person you 
meet in the streets, which conduct very much perplexes the Governor 
and Others, our lords and masters, that they are greatly puzzled, and 
know not what to do or how to act, as they expected very different 
behaviour from us. I hope we shall have resolution and virtue 
enough to observe a steady course, and not give them the /<'<st advan- 
tage by anv misconduct of our own, much more to quiet any dissen- 
sions among ourselves that may tend to disturb that harmony so 
necessary to the welfare of us all. 

— 2nd Instant. Early this morning arriv'd in town eleven carts 
loaded with meat fish and one loaded with sweet oil, a donation from 
our sympathizing brethren of Marblehead, which the Committee of 
ways and means were oblig'd to get to town in this manner, as the 
Commissioners would not suffer it to come up by water, though it 
must be obvious to every one that it may be deem'd an article of pro- 
vision. Neither will they permit the two cargoes of rice, a generous 
donation from Smith Carolina, together with a thousand bushels 
grain from Weathersfield in Connecticutt, come up to us by water, 
and have gave out that they shall take upon 'em to say when we have 
fewell and provisions enough : after that, cease to let any come at 
all : more particularly any that may he sent lor the relief of the poor. 
Am told that we are indebted for these mini* uvers to two born among 
ourselves, they composing half the number of the Commissioners: 



24 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

the other two being for more favorable construction, bul as there's an 
equal Dumber of voices, they thoughl besl rather to err in favor of 
the government than the people. 

The Committee of Ways &c, mel yesterday, and came to a 
determination t" ship some of the rice at Marblehead on board a ves- 
sel for tin- town, and demand a clearance : in case of refusal, to 
enter a protest and proceed with it to Boston and take the chance of 
it. and then see whether they will put their threats in execution or 
not. 

The poor of the Town arc in general employ'd at present in mend- 
ing the streets and cleaning the docks, for which they are paid 3 1 a 
day, Inn some few of them grumble thai they are oblig'd to work 
hard for thai which they esteem as their righl without work. 

August 5th. — Being informed that a Mr. Hare of your city leaves 
town tomorrow morning, shall embrace the opportunity and enclose 
you the budget 1 have already wrote, and conclude by acquaint- 
ing yon that in consequence of the Committee's determination to 
bring some of the rice up to town by water (at all events), the Com- 
missioners, together with the Governor, Admiral, Solicitor, etc'a., 
have had a general Council, and finally determin'd to admit Dumb 
fish and rice to be brought up as articles of provision, as also to 
suffer the -hips on the stocks to be launched aud proceed out of the 
harbour without let or molestation. 

.Must put off all thoughts of a journey to Philadelphia this fall, as 
its impossible to say what commotions may take place here when 
the other Acts arrive, it' they ever do ; as I am perswaded, from the 
spirit that prevails in the country towns in general, that they will 
never he suffered to operate there, whatever they may do in this 
town. Therefore 1 think it absolutely necessary tor every one pos- 
sessing property, to lie in the way, least things may happen that arc 
little thought of now. 

l'.S. Should be glad you would not show this, or any other of 
my letters, so as to let 'em know who was the author. 

August 6th. — I expect you'll set me down for a journalist : as this 
gives a detail of occurrences in succession to my last by Mr. Hare 
of the Lsl and 5th instant. Tins day arriv'd the transports with the 
59th Regiment from Halifax and a detachment of the Artillery with 
twenty odd pieces of ordnance — as also the Scarborough ship of 
war with despatches for Governor Gage, among which is a Manda- 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 25 

mua for 36 Councellors upon the new establishment — it is appre- 
hended mqsl of 'em will accept. 

August 7fli. — Arriv'd the other ships with the Royal Welch 
fusileers from New York, which with the others and the Men of War 
make the harbour look alive, affording a prospeel of near thirty sail : 
a sighl which would he really pleasing, if upon a different errand. 

August -S//;. — The gentlemen, nominated for councellors, set out 
early this morning, being Monday, to wait on his Excellency at his 
seat at Danvers, near Salem, agreeable to summons sent them lasl eve- 
ning, among whom ten were sworn in, three accepted hut not sworn, 
two absolutely declining, and four took time to consider of it : of the 
latter of which your uncle Joe* is one. The remainder being at 
a distance about the country, could not he advis'd early enough to 
give their attendance. Those sworn in are curst with near as many 
reproaches as Lord North, who. if the millionth part of the petitions 
are answer'd, will he sunk to the lowest pit : not only from the Sons 
of Freedom, but from the Tories likewise, who suffer equally- with 
the others. 

August 9th. — By an adjournment from ahout three weeks since, 
the town met together at Faneuil Hall (to consider of some eligible 
plan to adopt in regard to the distribution of the generous donations 
receiv'd from our sympathizing brethren in the other colonies) not 
without some apprehensions that Government would have interpos'd 
and dispers'd them, by virtue of the new Acts for regulating our 
Government : hut nothing of the kind happen'd. Every thing went 
on without interruption. Among the business transacted, 7 per cent. 
of all hounties received was voted for the town of Charlestown, who 
are alike sufferers witli us ; after which, they adjourn'd to the latter 
end of October next, when they expect to act upon matters that may 
be agreed upon by the Congress. 

August 10//,. — This morning the remarkable cleanliness of your 
uncle Joe's door was obliterated by the application of what was for- 
merly called Milsborough 'paint. Whether it was done by the. whigs 
or tories, I can't say, as they each lay it upon the other. The for- 
mer lay it to the tories. and say that they did it with a view to vex 
him, and make him determine to accept of being a counsellor, when 
Otherways he had no intention to do it: and the latter say it was 
done to intimidate him from accepting. I think the former supposi- 

* Joseph Green. 
4 



26 l.l.l I I RS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

tion mosl natural, as they neglected to meddle with several in town 
who were universally known to be actually sworn in, ami who in 
y* general opinion of the people, have render'd themselves much more 
obnoxious than the Addressors. Forgol to acquaint you yesterday, 
that Charles Starlin of your place, together with Daniel Waldo of 
this town, assisted by the Sheriff, seiz'd all the goods and effects of 
John Hunt, the Corn hill Brazier, who is now left to begin the world 
anew : which may possibly be the case with many more among us, 
especially at this critical juncture, when a man in trade who has got 
two thousand sterling due to him can't command or procure a pay- 
ment of eveu forty shillings, even if t<> save him from an arrest — 
such a general stagnation is taken place. 

The officers concern'd in the affray mention'd in my last, waited 
upon the Select Men, and publickly ask'd their pardons, to prevent a 
prosecution at law: which conduct evidently shews that the Gov- 
ernor is dispos'd to preserve peace among us, and that he intends to 
observe a strict and impartial administration of justice, so far as lie is 
permitted to act himself. But under the present administration of 
affairs, power is substituted for right, and a ministerial mandate su- 
persedes all Law and equity. Intended to have wrote you by Robert 
Treat Paine, who set out with the Committee for the Congress this 
morning, but did not know of their going till now. Am told they 
made a very respectable parade, in sight of five of the Regiments 
encamp'd on the Common, being in a coach and four, preceded by 
two white servants well mounted and arm'd, with four blacks behind 
in livery, two on horseback and two footmen. Am in hopes their 
joint deliberations will effect something tor our relief; more partic- 
ularly to concert such measures a- may be adopted by the Mother 
Country, so as to settle a friendship between us that may be lasting 
and permanent. And may the Divine disposer of all things so 
order their determinations, that they may tend to promote that social 
harmony heretofore subsisting between us. unincumbered with unjust 
taxes and illegal claims ; and may brand with eternal disgrace the 
man that may hereafter dare to agitate any questions that may tend 
to disturb it. 

August llth. — Am just return'd from viewing a sight that a per- 
son must be destitute of every claim to sensibility not to be affected 
at. as the shocking circumstances attending it makes one almost 
shudder at the recital. Having passed the tall, winter, and spring, 
without being disturb'd with midnight cries of lire (a circumstance 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 27 

that never happen'd before in my remembrance) we were last nighl 
alarm'd with that dismal cry between eleven and twelve o'clock. It 
broke out in a house improv'd by Zach. .Morton, yl Baker, and others 
to the number of 3 or 4 families. All the men and some of the 
women escaped, by jumping out of the chamber windows, and going 
upon the top of the house and falling on to the adjacent ones, as the 
floors, and even the beds they lay on, were on fire before they were 
appriz'd of their danger: whereby three of the women and two 
children sutl'er'd in the flames. The bodies, or rather trunks, of 
two of the former and one of the latter have since been taken out, 
so prodigiously mutilated, that 1 shall never get the idea out of my 
mind the longest day I have to live. Karl Piercy sent a very polite 
message down and offer'd the assistance of the army (who were 
apprehensive, at first, of an attack and fir'd their alarm guns, putting 
themselves in a posture of defence upon hearing all the bells of the 
town ring and the noise of the engines passing) which the Firewards 
as genteelly declin'd, having as much assistance as they thought 
necessary. 

The ultimate wish and desire of the high Government party is to 
get Samuel Adams out of the way, when they think they may accom- 
plish every of their plans: but however some may despise him, he lias 
certainly very many friends. For not long since some persons (their 
names unknown) sent and ask'd his permission to build him a new 
barn, the old one being decay'd, which was executed in a few days. A 
second sent to ask leave to repair his house, which was thoroughly 
effected soon. A third sent to beg the favor of him to call at a taylor's 
shop and be measur'd for a suit of eloaths and chuse his (doth, which 
were finish'd and sent home for his acceptance. A fourth presented 
him with a new whig, a fifth with a new Ilatt. a sixth with six pair of 
the best silk hose, a seventh with six pair of flue thread ditto, a eighth 
with six pair shoes, and a ninth modestly enquir'd of him whether 
his finances want rather low than otherways. He reply'd it was true 
that was the case, but lie was very indifferent about these matter-, 
so that his poor abilities was of any service to the Publick ; upon 
which the Gentlemen oblfg'd him to accept of a purse containing about 
15 or 20 Johannes. I mention this to show you how much he is 
esteem'd here. They value him for his good sense, great abilities, 
amazing fortitude, noble resolution, and undaunted courage: being firm 
and unmov'd at all the various reports that were propagated in regard 
to his being taken up and sent home, notwithstanding he had repeated 



28 LETTERS OP JOF1N ANDREWS. 

letters from his friends, both in England as well as here, to keep out 
of the way. The Governor came to town this afternoon. He i- to 

hold a Coi ell next Tuesday, when it- to be deterrain'd whether the 

considering Gentlemen accept. I hope your uncle wonl be sworn, as 
you can have no just conception of the spirit now prevalenl in town 
and country. The ten already sworn arc generally esteem'd as worse 
enemies to our just rights and privileges than Lord North, who is 
curs'd from morn i ion and from noon to morn by every denomina- 
tion of people. 

August Yltli. This afternoon the two delegates from .Wu Hamp- 
shire pass'd through the town on their way to your city. 

August \-\th. The Governor sent for the Selectmen, and ac- 
quainted them if they wanted a town meeting they had better make 
application while he was in town, as he would endeavor to -rant their 
request. They in reply shew'd to him that two former meetings now 
Stood adjourn'd to some future time, and tli.it they [had ?] not an immedi- 
ate call lor Another. In regard to that, lie said he had not sufficiently 
consider'd of it, whether such a procedure was admissable or not: hut 
they might depend that he should see that the act of parliament (which 
he read to 'em) was put in execution. Ifs currently reported that a 
regimenl is to go to Worcester to protect the Court, which i< to -it 
there soon. Voterday the Committee of correspondence, in conjunc- 
tion with the Select men. chose five delegates out of their number for 
a county meeting, to he convened at Stoughtonham and advise upon 
some measure to induce the inhabitants to settle all the little disputes 
that may subsist, either of a mercantile or private nature, and if possi- 
ble prevenl any suit coming on at the ensuing court, whereby they may 
evade acknowledging the authority of the act. 

August 1 \ili. Sunday. The anniversary of first opposition made 
to the Stamp Act in this town. 

August \')ili. Every humane person was pleas'd to be inform'd 
that the military were not sutfer'd to punish a deserter with a death; 
hut when we find that a thousand lashes is the substitute, we are 
equally shock'd to think that mankind can so far divot themselves of 
humanity as to he instrumental in inflicting such an horrid punishment 
on their fellow mortals. Marly this morning a poor culprit received 
250 la-he-, which number he is to receive four successive week-, being 
one that deserted from the Welch fusileers, just before they left York, 
and wa- taken at the Jersies and brought here, which Regiment is now 
encamp'd on Fort Hill, and the 59th from Halifax are gone to Salem. 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 29 

where they are to take up their residence. The above, with one 
belonging to the 5th Regiment are the only two deserters they have 
taken, although upwards of 200 have left 'ein since they've been here. 
They are kept under much stricter discipline than if in an enemy's 
country; being pul under guard if seen conversing with an inhabitant, 
and not suffer'd to leave the camp without a written pass, which makes 
the Soldiers very dissatisfied with their situation, and rather stimulates 
their going off" than otherways. 

I intend sending this by Mr. Glover, who leaves town We'nsday 
morning. If anything turns up in the mean while worth relating, 
shall communicate it. Must beg your candour in regard to all I have; 
wrote you of late, being only my crude thoughts, as they arise in my 
mind, without any correction whatever, as it would he almost an end- 
less piece of business for me to copy all I have wrote, and what I may 
probably write you in future: for which reason I hope any of my 
letters wont miscarry, as in that case you will lose the connection 
between them, which it will be out of my power to supply by a du- 
plicate. Must likewise enjoin it upon you to keep my name, as the 
author, to yourself; having wrote them only for your amusement, and 
if they serve to afford you any my utmost end is answer'd. 

August 1 o/7/. Last evening the Cadet company met at Faneuil 
Hall by desire of* Col'.' Hancock, when he communicated to them a 
letter he had received from the Secretary, by order of the Governor, 
dismissing him from any further service as Captain of that Company : 
when they pass'd a vote to return their Colors to his Excellency, and 
acquaint him that they should not in future esteem themselves as his 
body guard; as also to deliver their Equipage, Musical instruments, 
&ca. into Colonel Hancock's keeping till some future time, being 
determin'd not to appear under any other leader while he lives, as by 
the establishment of the Company they have a right to choose their 
own officers. By your uncle's not going to Salem to attend Councill 
this morning, I conclude he has declin'd to accept, which I am the 
more inclin'd to think, as your aunt (with whom I drank tea yesterday 
P.M.) was very uneasy least he should accept. Like the African 
habituated to slavery. I begin to lie a little more reconcil'd to the loss 
of business and an inactive state of life; but the distant prospeel of 
relief affords one some small consolation, and leads me to think that 
sooner or later our just rights and liberties will he reinstated upon a 
prni and solid foundation, if not impeded by a defection among our- 
selves. With a hearty concurrence in every general plan that may be 



30 LETTERS OF John A.NDBEW8. 

adopted to thai end, and ;t Bincere wish thai they may have the deair'd 
effecl I sign mj self your'- &c. 

August 17///. Mr. Glover, who left town this morning, was kind 
enough to take charge of a letter to you of the 6th and L6th instant, 
which he inform'd me he should be able to deliver you in uine days. 

Yesterday a Committee from the Cadet Company waited upon his 
Excellency al Salem, consisting of Gabriel Johonnot, Foster* 

and Samuel Pitts, attended by the Company's servant bearing the 
Standard. He received them and their address with politeness, 
but was somewhal nettled al the contents, as his answer evidently 
shews, being very laconic, and expressive of chagrin and disappoint- 
ment. He accepted their colour, and told them Mr. Hancock had 
used him ill by personally affronting him (though Col. Hancock dont 
recollect that ever he did, and is sure he never meant to do it. nor can 
he conceive the reason why he should charge him with it. other than 
that his ill state of health would not admit of his personally paying his 
compliments to him when he came to the chair) and that he would not 
receive an affronl from any man in the province, and had he previously 
known their intentions, should have disbanded them himself. 

August ISth. I herewith inclose you an additional list of Councel- 
lors who have taken an Oath, virtually, to enforce all arbitrary Acts of 
Parliament upon us, and it wont be for want of their endeavors it' they 
dont make slaves of the whole Continent. The inhabitants of the 
country towns (where many of them belong) are prodigiously vex'd 
and its my opinion (if we may judge from the tenor of all their conduct) 
that they wont suffer any one to live among 'em. 

August X'Mh. Am told this morning that Col. -Murray's son of 
Rutland has sent express down to his father to beg him by no means 
to return home, as his life would he in imminent danger if he should: 
am excessive glad your uncle has declin'd. 

August 20th. When I seriously refleel on the unhappy situation 
we are in, I cant hut he uneasy least x' trade of the town should never 
he reinstated again: hut on the other hand, when I consider that our 
future welfare depends altogether upon a Steady and linn adherence to 
the common cause. 1 console myself with the thoughts that if, after 
using every effort in our power, we are finally oblig'd to submit, we 
shall Leave this testimony behind us, that, not being able to stem the 
stream, we were of necessity borne down by the torrent. You can 

1 lie < Ihristian name prefixed in the manuscript to Foster is illegible to me. 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 3] 

have no just conception how sensibly I am affected in my business. If" 
you'll believe me (though 1 have gol near two thousand sterling out in 
debts and about as much more in stock) I have not received above 
eighty i>r ninety pounds Lawful money from both resources for above 
two months past ; though previous to the port's being shut. I thought 
il an ordinary day's work if I did not carry home from "JO to 10 dollars 
every evening. Consequently the burthen falls heaviest, it' not entirely, 
upon the middling people among us; for the poor (who always liv'd 
from hand to mouth, i.e. depended on one (lav's labour to supply the 
wants of another) will he supported by the beneficence of the colonics; 
and the rich, who liv'd upon their incomes either as land-holders or 
usurers, will still have the same benefit from their wealth, for if one 
tenant is incapacitated to pay the annual rent, there is always another 
ready, thai is able, to supply his- place, and some among the money- 
lenders will rather he benefitted by our calamities, for many among us, 
who have heretofore been good livers (will not he esteem'd as objects 
of charity while they preserve that appearance, whether they have 
anything left which they can call their own. or not) if our embarrass- 
ments should continue very long, must he necessitated to take upon 
what tittle interest they may have left under very great disadvantages 
to themselves, and perhaps to the emolument of' those who would be 
thought their benefactors. Such are the inevitable consequences result- 
ing from a Stoppage of trade ; for if you consider the branch of the 
distillery of rum alone, at the smallest computation. i< allow'd to he a 
loss of six thousand pounds Lawful money, a week to the town, as the 
expence attending the transportation of molasses 28 or •'!<> miles hy 
land, and the rum when made the same distance (to he ship'd for 
foreign market-) is equal to a prohibition — that the manufacturers of 
that article in Mistick, Watertown, Salem. Haverhill and Newbury 
engross the whole of the trade, and its a chance (after being long used 
to those channels tin- a supply) whether it will ever revert to us again. 
The constant intercourse of heavy loaded carriages passing between 
this and Salem has so worn the road, in addition to the many uphills 
and down, that those carriers and waggoners, who prided themselves in 
keeping their horses fat and in good case, are obliged to submit to the 
mortification of being able to count their ribs, without the assistance 
of artificial optics, or the sense of feeling, such is the fatigue they 
undergo! If so now. what will it he in the tall and winter, when every 
step will immerze 'em a foot or two deep in mud and mire. In one of 
your letters you give me to understand that you expected, or would 



32 ; i BBS OF JOHN ANDBEWS. 

wish to have, ;i circumstantial accounl of .-ill proceedings, &c:, at this 
particular time. It' I have omitted any material circumstance, its be- 
cause I was never acquainted with it. Have endeavor'd to give vou a 
diurnal account, ami where occurrences have fail'd to embellish the 
day, have presum'd to afford you a treal of my own lucubrations. 

Am this instanl interrupted by a chace of four soldiers after a 
deserter through the market. He proves to belong to the 65 th, and 
left 'cm two or three years since. He seems to be a smart, stoul 
fellow, dress'd in a short jacket and long trousers. Am amaz'd he 
should In- x> stupid as to appear in so publick a place. They have 
lug'd him n]i to the camp, from whence they will send him to his regi- 
ment, where 1 suppose a thousand lashes at leasl will he his portion. 

August 21st. This evening two officers of the 38th were very 
severely drub'd for going into a house in Pleasant street and ill-using 
two women, whose husbands happen'd to he at home: whereby one of 
the officers got a contusion on his head from the stroke of a pistol, 
apply'd by a son of Vulcan; who followed him, took away his sword 
ami broke it. while the other was feeling the effects of an injur'd 
husband's rage. They then both went and press'd a complaint to Lord 
l'eny : what satisfaction he gave 'em, cant learn, hut from his disposi- 
tion to punish every misbehaviour, either in officers or soldiers, am 
perswaded he will do them justice. 

August 22nd. The arrival of a vessel into Marblehead from Fal- 
mouth afforded us some few articles of intelligence that were rather 
encouraging than otherways. The arrival of Hutchinson, with thejtrst 
news of a Union of the Colonies being likely to take place, must be 
productive of some good; and then, for every succeeding vessel to give 
'em a fresh dose, must he too powerful for my Lord North, and I fancy 
the operation will produce strong convulsion-, if not a total deprivation 
of his political existence. However uncertain the dependance, yet am 
pleas'd that the popular clamour has turn'd in our fax or. 

August 23rd. Notwithstanding the 59th Regiment, with part of 
the 64th, are quarter'd at Salem, yet they had a town meeting yester- 
day, in contempt of the Act of Parliament, and without leave from the 
Governor, though he was then in the town; when they chose five 
dele-ate- for a county meeting, for the laudable purpose of settling dis- 
putes without having recourse to law. Which spirit prevails through 
the province, for Daniel Leonard, one of the new Councellors, belong- 
ing to Taunton, has return'd to town this morning, as the day he got 
home they muster'd from all the towns around to pay him a vi/it, when 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 33 

he very prudently came off to avoid the threatening storm. Colonel 
Murray of Rutland, another of them, set oul for home this morning, 
accompanied by his son, (who is studying physic here) being both well 
arm'd and resolute, that I imagine they are determin'd to stand a 
brush, if oppos'd, being both very stout men. near or quite as large as 
Forrest. We also have account this morning thai Simpson's shop at 
Providence (one of the Council belonging to this town) attended by 
his two nephews, who are connected with him in business, was tarr'd 
and feather'd one evening last week, and so many days allow'd for 'em 
to take their departure. On default, they are threatued to lie serv'd 
as their shop, and carted likewise. An express arriv'd yesterday to 
his Excellency from Great Barrington, a town aboul one hundred and 
twenty miles westward from us, where they were rather premature 
with their conduct (having pull'd the judges from the bench, dispers'd 
the jurors, and would not suffer any court to he held) as the regulation 
in the choice of jurors does not take place till after the first of next 
month, though they were aggravated to it by one [ngersol, their repre- 
sentative, a lawyer, who about three weeks since behav'd so very 
insolent, by threatning to execute the new Acts, that they beset him 
and for want of tar they stuck the feathers on with grease and put 
him down an empty well, where tiny kept him till morning. Since 
which he has taken refuge with the Governor at Salem. 

August 2Ath. We hear from Taunton this morning that upwards 
of two thousand men met on the green in that town, and but for the 
expostulations of Leonards father (who disapprov'd of his son's being 
a Councellor, and promis'd to use his influence with him that he should 
resign) would have pull'd his house down. Col'.' Murray halted yes- 
terday at Cambridge, least too great precipitancy in so bold an en- 
terprise should prove fatal. He lias behav'd like an experiene'd 
commander, and sent to reconnoitre before he advances, with a mow 
to better inform himself of the hostile dispositions of his townsmen. 
They say the affair at Great Barrington was not quite so had as 
represented to the Governor, as the people that muster'd came from 
Connecticut Government (the town bounding on the line, and had so 
fill'd the courthouse as not to leave room either for the judges or jurors 
to enter. The consequence was that they either adjourn'd or dissolv'd 
the court. 

August 2~>//>. Am told that the Governor made a shew of dispers- 
ing the town meeting at Salem, by ordering down two companies from 
the 59th Regiment, who proceeded within a few rods of the meeting, 



3-4 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

when they halted, and march'd hack again immediately: which gave 
occasion to a shrewd fellow to repeal the old adage — "the king of 
France, &c'a.", when the surgeon of the regiment made a stop, and 
said he could not bul acknowledge it a just similarity — for here I am, 
says he, with my mates, provided with every apparatus for dressing 
wounds, performing amputations, &c'a. Since which, the committee 
of correspondence there were summoned before his Excellency and 
question'd in regard t<> the meeting, whether they were call'd by their 
authority or not. They readily acknowledg'd it was call'd and m'anag'd 
by their direction. He then observed to 'em, that they must abide by 
the consequences ; for he should issue ou1 writs to seize their persons 
and. if necessary, the Sheriff should be supported by the troops and he 
would bear 'em harmless for whatever they might do. Accordingly, 
two of 'em were taken up the >ame afternoon, when they gave bail and 
were dismiss'd. The other five were taken this morning, when they 
refus'd to give bail, and said they would rather be committed; when 
the magistrate thought proper to release Vm upon their parole of 
honor. The town was greatly alarm'd, and had they been committed 
the consequences must have been fatal: for the last accounts from 
England have rather encourag'd the sons of freedom to persevere than 
otherways, and confirmed the hike-warm that were staggering, as well 
as cool'd down the opposite party. 

August 26<A. The affair at Salem is the only topic of speculation 
this day. The latest accounts we have had from there was at ten 
o'clock P.M., when there was upwards of three thousand men assem- 
bled there from the adjacent town-, with full determination to rescue 
the Committee if they should be sent to prison, even if they were 
oblig'd to repel force by force, being sufficiently provided for such a 
purpose; as indeed they are all through the country — vxwy male 
above the age of If' possessing a firelock with double the quantity of 
powder and hall enjoin'd by law. The Marblehead people sent them 
word that they were ready to come in at a minute's warning sufficiently 
provided to lend assistance. George William-. Captain Derby, &c, 
of the Committee told the Governor if the ninetieth part of a farthing 
would he taken as hail, they would not give it. and very pertinently 
retorted upon him '-if he committed them /><■ must abide by the conse- 
quences" — for they would not be answerable for what might take 
place. lie told them that 1 o'clock P.M. was the Utmost extent of 
time he would give them to consider of it. and earnestly recommended 
their giving hail to appeal- at the next Superior Court to answer to a 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 35 

charge of " high crimes and misdemeanures" The towns through the 
country are so far from being intimidated, thai a day in the week does 
nol pass without one or more having meetings, in direct contempt of 
the Ad : which they regard as a blank piece of paper and not more; 
that I expect we shall be in a state of Nature for a season, as at present 
there don< seem the least probability that an\ court of justice will be 
suffer'd to act. 

August 27///. — This morning we are favor'd with the agreeable 
news that his Excellency lias suspended the matter at Salem by drop- 
ping the prosecution: which shews a greal instance of prudence in 
him, that seeing them resolute and the people so determinate, he was 
willing to give up a point father than push matter- to extremities. 

August 28th: Tuesday. Last evening two soldiers of the Welch 
fusileers attack'd young Mr. Molineaux in the street leading to his 
father's house, at about 11 o'clock. They seiz'd, and were lugging him 
away, when he disengag'd himself, run aside and pull'd off his coat 
and waistcoat. They made up to him: he knock'd one down and then 
the other with his li-i ; at the -nine time call'd out murther to raise the 
neighborhood. Not knowing what their intentions were respecting 
him, he kept 'em in play for about 15 minutes, when a lad came to his 
assistance: jusl at winch time Major Small, an officer much respected 
here, came up. lie seiz'd one of the fellows and put him under guard. 
The other ran oil'. He waited on Mr. Mollineaux at noon, and begg'd 
the favor of him to attend the Court Martial to-morrow morning. 

August 2',!///. It is rumour'd this morning that a company or two 
has march'd for Roxbury, as there is to be a town meeting there this 
day. Notwithstanding all the parade the Governor made at Salem 
on account of their meeting, they had one directly under his uose at 
Danvers, and continued it two or three bowers longer than was neces- 
sary, to see if he would interrupt 'em. He was made acquainted 
with it, but reply' d — "Damn 'em! I wont do anything about it 
unless his Majesty sends me more troops." Three or lour of the 
new- councellors living in the country have resign'd already, and some 
of the more obstinate have taken refuge here. Have inclos'd you this 
day's paper, which contains many Speculative piece- that may afford 
you entertainment at a leisure hour: more particularly the details id' 
transactions and expences occurr'd by this province for a - 
of years. 

August 30th. From my frequency of writing you may well think 
I have little else to do, being neither fatigued with that nor troubled 



36 LET'I ERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

with business. Much less am I dispoa'd to lead an idle life: and if I 
caul employ my time to my own benefit I think the least 1 can do i- 
I., contribute all in my power to the amusement of my friends abroad 
a< well as at borne, in y! former of which I esteem you as the principal, 
and am happy in the thought, that like s< ntiments possess congt nial souls. 
[fthe budget by Mr. Breck dated the 1 7th a 29th instant affords you bul 
a moment's satisfaction, I am fully repaid for the part I have towards 
it ; as the dictates of trm friendship ev< r prompts us to wish our friends 
a participation in those matters that may prove agreeable. So much 
tor introduction: — will now proceed to acquaint you thai they met 
with no interruption in the business of their meeting at Roxbury yes- 
terday, save that Tsaac Winslow attended and declar'd his entire 
willingness to resign his couucellor-ship ; made an apology for his 
acceptance, and -aid that it was more owing to the perswasion of 
others than to his own inclinations. 

Late in the evening a member waited upon Commodore Loring, 
and in a friendly way advis'd him to follow the example of his towns- 
man, lie desir'd time to consider of it. They granted it. but ac- 
quainted him. if he did not comply, he must expect to he waited upon 
by a larger number, actuated hv a different spirit. His principal ap- 
prehension was that he should lose his half fay. 

The Superior Court, which sits here tins day. affords the only sub- 
ject for speculation which has turn'd up in the course of it. Judge 
Oliver having assum'd his seat at the bench (for the first time since 
his impeachment) caus'd a reluctance in the jury to serve, and they 
one and all absolutely ret'us'd. The Grand-jurors gave in their rea- 
sons in writing and the petit-jurors by a hare negative, save .Mr. 
Mifflin's cousin, Thomas Chase, who declar'd boldly "that his con- 
science would not let him take the oath whiles Peter Oliver sel upon 
the bench, who was under impeachment by the honorable house of 
representatives:" — upon which they were dismiss'd, and the Court 
adjourn'd till tomorrow, when the affair at Salem is to be reassum'd 
again, though the Governor is at present with us. 

August .'SI-/. At sunset last evening I amus'd myself with a walk 
in the Mall, and could not lint admire at the subservient honors paid his 
Excellency, being attended by five or six field officers and two or three 
aid de camps, with eight orderly sergents at an atoful distance in the 
rear: parading up the street from Sheriff Greenleafs he met with 
'Squire Edson, (a mere plowjogger to look at ) one of the new fan-led. 
refugee councellors, whose townsmen, at Bridgewater, after some 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 37 

exhortation, thought proper to send him to Coventry, nor would they 
even deign to sing yl psalm after his reading it, being deacon of the 
parish, such is the detestation in which they are all held that refuse 
to resign. His Excellency, after about ten minutes earnest conversa- 
tion with him, proceeded to Earl Piercy's, who occupies a house at the 
head of Winter Street, belonging to [nspector Williams. While he 
went in. his attendants of high and low rank stood in waiting at the 
gate like so many menial slaves. 

Seven of the transports now in the harbour are under sailing orders 
to proceed to Quebeck and bring away the troops from there (that it 
may be an easier conquest tor the French, tor 1 think the least they 
can do. after passing an act to allow them their <»A/ modt of legisla- 
tion and the church of Borne, the established religion of the country. 
is to give 'cm an opportunity to assume the reins of Government into 
their own hands, independent of Great Brittain), as well as from New 
York and your city : which in addition to the four more regiments 
expected from Ireland (of which we have certain accounts of their 
coming) they intended to carry all before them here. But I hope yl 
strict observance of a steady and peaceable conduct will disappoint 
their views, for am persuaded there is nothing they wish for more than 
an opportunity to deem us rebels; but God forbid ! they should ever 
be gratified . 

September the 1st. Yesterday in the afternoon two hundred and 
eighty men were draughted from the severall regiments in the common. 
furnish'd with a day's provision each, to be in readiness to march early 
in the morning. Various were the conjectures respecting their des- 
tination, but this morning the mystery is unravell'd, for a sufficient 
number of boats from the Men of War aud transports took 'cm on 
board between -4 and 5 o'clock this morning, and proceeding np Mistick 
river landed them at the back of Bob Temple's house, from whence 
they proceeded to the magazine (situated between that town and Cam- 
bridge) conducted by judge Oliver. Sheriff Phips, and Joseph Gold- 
thwait, and are now- at this time (<S o'clock) taking away the powder 
from thence, being near three hundred bar re lis, belonging to the 
Province, which they are lodging in Temple's barn, for conveniency to 
be transported to the Castle. I suppose. 

The cause of this mineuvour was brought to light yesterday by 
mere accident. The Governor walking np the main street to dine 
with Brigadier Pigot of the 4.">d. who improves a house just above 
Liberty tree, by chance or design, in pulling out his handkerchief, drop! 



LETTEBa OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

r letter from Brigadier Brattle of Cambridge ( am apl to think the lattt r, 
with a view to exculpate himself from being thought to take such ;i 
measure of his own head) : the purport of which, as Dear as I can 
recollect, is as follows, \i/t.; — "that being acquainted by one Cap- 
tain Minot th[at] he the said Jones had been apply'd to. ami urgently 
press'd to conduct about fifteen hundred men towards Cambridge, 
that be disswaded the .-aid Minot from complying, and told him if 
li«- did. In- would lie hang'd "ml shott for a Rebell : that he was 
apprehensive the Province powder was in danger, all other, either 
belonging to particular towns, or individuals, had been withdrawn. 
It being private property, he could not do otherwise than deliver it. 
and as a friend to good government he should do his utmost en- 
deavour to preserve thai a- a sacred depositum." 

It was obvious to every one of the least discernment that the Briga- 
dier was much chagrin'd at not receiving a mandamus, though he has 
since declar'd, in a scoffing way, that he was exceeding glad he was 
not appointed, and would only wish to have been, that he might have 
had an opportunity to shew that he had tin- good of his country at 
heart, by resigning with contempt, or rather refusing. From the 
above, we may judge of his sincerity, which was always doubted, 
ami its very evident that he's aiming to (ill a vacancy. 

Judge Danforth waited on Governor tins day to resign his seat at 
the Councel Board. IK' refus'd to accept of it, and told him lie 
might absent himself, if he pleas'd, but he had sworn to give him coun- 
cil, from which oath it was not in his power to release him. And 
yesterday young Mr. Hutchinson sent in his resignation in writing, 
with his reasons at large, to his Excellency, which makes me think 
they must have sonic private intimations from England that affairs are 
likely to take a more favorable turn for lis. 

September 2nd. The country people, being vastly more vigilant 
and spirited than the town, did not fail to visit Brattle and Sew all's 
house last evening, but not finding either of 'em at home, they quietly 
went oil'. But a report having prevail'd through the country (hy rea- 
son of the seizure of the powder yesterday) that y' same game had 
been play'd here, and y'. inhabitants disarm'd has rais'd such a spirit 
as will require the utmost prudence to allay ; for they are ill arms at 
all quarters, being determin'd to see us redress'd. At eight o'clock this 
morning there were about tl re i thousand under their regular leaders at 
Cambridge common, and continually increasing; had left their arms 
at a little distance, when .Judge Lee and Danforth waited upon 'em, 



LBTTEES OF JOHN ANDREWS- 39 

and gave them the fullest assurances thai they had resign'd their scats 
at y'. board and would Dot act in any capacity whatever, thai was dis- 
agreeable to the people. Lieutenant Governor Oliver is come to town 
and Brattle is gone to the Castle, which I believe is the only place of 
safety tor him in the province. Four or five expresses have come 
down to Charlestown and here, to acquaint us. that between Sudbury 
and this, above ten thousand men are in arms and are continually 
coming down from the country back : that their determination is to 
collect about forty or fifty thousand by night (which they are sure of 
accomplishing) when they intend to fling in about fd'teeu thousand 
by the way of the Neck, and as many more over the ferry : when once 
got possession, to come in like locusts and rid the town of every sol- 
dier. But such a scheme is so big with mischief and calamity, that 
yl Committee of correspondence, select men, and every prudent man 
in the town of Charlestown. set off to appease 'em early in the morn- 
ing; and the committee of correspondence from this town also went 
at the same time. Since which, accounts have been so alarming that 
between ten and eleven o'clock the Select men set out from here, to 
try what they could do to satisfie and disperse 'em. Ruthy set out 
this morning for Hingham, in company with my mother, Mr. Bi*eck, 
and Ben. Am rejoiced that she is out of the way, just at this 
time. 

A Guard of Soldiers is set upon the Powder house at the back of 
y' Common, so that people are debar'd from selling their own prop- 
erty; and the Guard upon the Neck is doubled, as well as that the 
whole battallions have had new flints, &ca., delivered out to them. 

Commissioner Ilallowell, coming from Salem to his house in Kox- 
bury, pass'd by Cambridge common 4 , where the people were collected, 
spoke somewhat contemptuously of them, which soon came to their 
ears. They immediately sent a party in pursuit of him. He saw 
them coming; jump'd out of his chaise; order'd his negro off the 
horse and got on ; when he set out upon the full gallop with a pistol in 
each hand. One of the party, better mounted than the rest, overtook 
him upon the Neck, at whom he snap'd his pistol, which luckily missed 
fire, when he put on with full speed, and flung himself into the pro- 
tection of the guard posted there. News of the above movement of 
the Army, which was represented as though they were coming against 
them, together with the aggravation that Ilallowell had shot a man. 
was carried to Cambridge, which set the people in a prodigious fer- 
ment (who before were become quite calm and compos'd) and every 



40 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

one retir'd to Watertown, where they had left their arms, and return'd 
to the Common fully equipp'd and well dispos'd to make a tryal of 
skill. They had the presence ol mind to gel matters in readiness to 
take up the bridge, to prevent their bringing the artillery to bear upon 
'em, least the Combat should be too unequal. An express came down 
and rode full speed up to the fortification, and upon being inform'd 
that matters were not as had been represented, hastily returned over 
the ferry and quieted their minds again. Pray excuse incorrectness, 
as I am neither historian nor Scholar. 

s ember 3rd. — Asa continuation to the other sheet, must ob- 
serve i" you that between three and four thousand remain'd upon the 
held in Cambridge till night, when they peaceably return'd, each one 
to his own house, but not till they had procur'd a written acknowl- 
edgment from Governor Oliver, that he would give up his seat in 
Councill, and verbally offer'd to renounce the Commission of Lienien- 
antcy if they desir'd it : but they told him to retain it by all mean-, 
thai they did not wish for a better man to hold the second office in 
the Government than him. They also procur'd a written obligation 
from Sheriff Phips, that he would not return jurors, serve writs, 
&ca., nor even act officially in any case upon the principal of y* new 
establishment. It is worthy remark that Judge Lee observ'd to "cm. 
alter he had made his resignation, that he never saw so large a num- 
ber of people together and preserve so peaceable order before in his 
life. 

Though they had an account at Marlborough of the powder'- 1 ic- 
ing remov'd, last Thursday night, yet they were down to Cambridge 
(which is thirty miles) by eight o'clock Fryday morning, with a 
troop of h »rse and another of foot, both under the command of Gib. 
Speakman, a young fellow who serv'd his time with John Rowe. 

One day this week they had a County meeting at Concord, con- 
sisting of 158 delagates (not one town or district failing to send one 
or more) when they pass'd a number of spirited resolves, not leaving 
any subject or circumstance under their cognizance unnoticed. They 
were drawn up by a sub-committee of nine, and after being reported, 
it was resolved that every member should answer yea or nay. lor the 
question, when there was 154 yeas, one absolute nay, and the other 
three apologiz'd, that as they were not permitted to qualifie their an- 
swer, they must say nay, though they excepted against only two or 
three paragraphs. 

They have also hail a rendevouz at Springfield this week, and 



LETTERS OF JOHS AM'L'KWS. II 

Qumber'd about two thousand men, who took much the same meas- 
ures as at Cambridge, in regard to their sheriffs, constables, &ca. 

Sunday, September the Mh. They have haul'd the .Men of War 
close in upon the town at all quarters. Lasl evening, after holding 
oul against the perswasions of all his friends, Treasurer Gray re- 
signed, and in the morning of the same day Jonathan Simpson, with 
Willard of Lancaster, and indeed most of those belonging to the 
country — save some who are here in town, and Governor wonl lei 
go home, least they should be prevail'd on to comply. The Com- 
mander in Chief asked the Lieutenant Governor how many the moh 
consisted of that were before his house. He told him about four 
thousand, hut they were not a moh by any mean-, hut consisted of 
the leading men in the county and reputable substantial farmers. 

As Brattle's letter has since been publish'd, with his address to 
the public in vindication of himself, I herewith inclose 'em. together 
with an acknowledgment to the public by E. Goldthwait, which I 
think very extraordinary from him. 

Were it my wretched fate, to lead a life 
Without a home, much more without a \\ ife, 
Experience then could not but make it >>>: 

Snl' mini said, alVs vanity In re In loir. 

Bui were my case to be via v< rsa thus, 
Blest with a wife, a home, but empty purse; 
Then might I say, with Agur in bis prayer, 
A competence, Lord! give me for my share. 

When blest with that, I still might crave for more, 
Ami not content, plead poverty as before; 
'thus human nature always i- the same. 
One wish acquir'd yet still we wish again. 

Being three days without Rutin's company, the only time of her 
absence since we were connected, gave rise to the firsl verse, but 
when in the vein my muse led me on : therefore you have it rough as 
it runs. 

I expect my private opportunities will fail me soon, and should 
not chuse to put you to the expence of postage, without your special 
permission, though I dont think the matter I write is worth that cost, 
yet if I have your orders I shall endeavor to comprise as much as 
possible in a single sheet, with my toast in one hand, my pen in the 
other, and a sup of coffee (not tea) now and then. 

September 5th. The alarm caus'd by the movement of the coun- 

G 



I- LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

try has induc'd the Governor to order a number of field pieces up to 
the neck guard, and this morning has gol a Dumber of workmen 
there, to build blockhouses and otherways repair the fortification. Ii 
was reported that he was going to <-ut a canal across and break off 
the communication with the country other than by a bridge; in con- 
sequence of which the Select men waited upon him. He assur'd 
them he had no intention to break ground, but was only aboul secur- 
ing the entrance into the Town, thai the inhabitants as well as the 
soldiers may not be expos'd to inroads from the country. One of the 
gentlemen shew'd to him, that if he persisted in such proceedings, 
the inhabitants would leave the town and send an express home with 
a remonstrance against him : upon which he exclaim'd, " J — s < i — d ! 
what! leave the town!" — being apprehensive, [suppose, if such a 
thing should take place, that he and his formidable host would come 
to short commons. 

September 6th. From the various county meetings, we promise 
ourselves great benefitt, and I think every good member of society 
will acquiesce with their purposes. But any one who avails himself 
o/' the times, and keeps a creditor from hi- jusl due, oughl to be de- 
spis'd by every good man. Our county meets this day at Stoughton, 
Essex county at Ipswich, ami Worcester county are to meet at that 
place, when at a short day they are to have a provincial assembly, iu 
order to cement the union upon a Basis as firm as solid, and keep up 
that noble spirit that universally prevails among all ranks of people. 

Its allowed, by the best calculations, that at least a hundred thousand 

men were equip! with arms, and moving towards us from different 
parts of the country. The celebrated Colonel Putnam was at the head 
of fifteen thousand, and its said that five and twenty thousand more 
were in a body a day's march behind him. Among the former was 
two of Governor Trumbal's sons of Connecticut, who were three 
day- in the ranks as soldiers. Its greatly to their credit that in all 
the different parties that were collected, and in all their various move- 
ments, there was as much good order and decorum observ'd, as when 
attending Church on Sundays. 

The townspeople are in general very uneasy and dissatisfied with 
the Governor's fortifying the entrance; so much so. they cant get 
any <</,, workman to assisl 'em. They've 'jot an engineer from York, 
who is trying what he can do with a number <>f carpenters and ma- 
sons out of the army. They talk of sending to New York for a 
number of mechanics to affect it : its my opinion, if they are wis< , 
they wont come. 



LETTERS OF JOKN ANDREWS. 43 

The famous Colonel Jones of Westown was held in durance about 
three hours, one day last week, and catechised by aboul three hun- 
dred from the contiguous towns. 

v, ember 1th. A ship from London arriv'd at Salem yesterday 
p.m., with thirty odd chests of that cursed herb for Smith and At- 
kinson of this town. Cant learn that she has brought anything in 
particular, save that the commotions are mt\ great in England upon 
account of the Quebeck bill, as well as our's. An arm'd schooner 
from England, but last from Halifax, is just entered the harbour at 
my writing this, and saluting the admiral, (who. by the way, detains 
all the ferry boats along side his ship front nine at night till live in 
the morning) with dispatches for General Gage. 

Two light horse, well mounted and equipt, came into town this 
morning, who belong'd to a troop of five hundred thai were upon 
their march from Connecticut ; and upon hearing that matter- were 
quiet here, they retum'd to their respective homes. 

September 8th. As the Governor, Commissioners, and indeed all 
the Governmental gentry have taken up their residence in town for 
the Winter, the 5!)th Regiment is expected from Salem immediately. 
They have fix'd the colors and laid out their ground for their encamp- 
ment at y'. side of y''. Neck, near y'. Windmill. Yesterday, between 
one and two o'clock p.m., the General, with a large parade of at- 
tendants, took a survey of the skirts of the town : more particularly 
that part opposite the country shore. Tis suppos'd they intend to 
erect Batteries there to prevent any incursions of the country people 
from that quarter, having effectually secur'd the Neck by the disposi- 
tion of the field pieces : and their caution extends so far as to have a 
guard patrole Roxbury streets at all hours of the night, as well as 
another posted at Charlestown i'evvy every night, after the evening 
gun fires. 

A- experience makes men wise, so the least alarm will put 'em 
upon their guard that have once keen trick'd. A Scotch Captain, 
■who is building a skip at Charlestown, observ'd that they put tin: 
ammunition, such as -hot, &ca., belonging to the battery there, under 
ground, lie came over and inform'd the Governor of it, who sent 
an officer over with him to examine the premisses yesterday afternoon. 
The inhabitants, suspecting what would take place, provided a num- 
ber of teams, such as carry ship timbers, and .-king all the guns 
belonging to the battery, and carried up country, together with the 
reposit of shot, &ca. About midnight another formidable expedi- 



I I 1.11 J ERS OF JOHN A.NDBEWS. 

tion wag Bel on foot. The boats from all the Men of War were 
man'd with soldiers, with orders to dismantle the fort and bring off 
all the Ordnance, Stores, &ca. : bul I imagine their chagrin was as 
greal as their disappointment. So much for the honor of Pig Village, 
Bill! Tell Breck, if with you, that Bradstreet is al least a fool 
higher upon the occasion. 

September 9th. Neither prompted by a brutal gratification, oor 
destitute of tender feelings, bul led by a curiosity natural to mosl 
men, early this morning I attended the execution of the poor fellow 
whom 1 mentioned in one of my former letters to have been taken up 
in y m:irkrt for desertion. After the Parson had pray'd with him, 
and while his grave was digging, he address'd himself to the Soldiers 
(who were drawn up from all the Regiments around him) : he spoke 
for half an hour very fluently and compos'd, bul when he was 6x'd 
to the spot from which he was not to remove but into an awfull eter- 
nity, his spirits were much agitated, and after another exhortation and 
prayer, which continued about a quarter of an hour, he received the 
discharge of six muskets from about eight yards distance, and least 
that was not sufficient, a fourth stepp'd up and presented his gun 
close to his head and discharg'd it, which put a period to his life, 
lie was then laid upon the lid of his coffin and expos'd to the view of 
the whole Army, who were made to march in a slow, solemn step 
close on one side his body, as an example in terrorem, J suppose; 
though I immagin it will have a quite contrary effect (unless they are 
lost to all sense of humanity) and create in them an utter detestation 
to remain subordinate to a set of men. who were instrumental in 
committing such an unjust act of cruelty. 

Colonel Frye, of Salem (who was the magistrate that endeavor'd to 
commit the committee of correspondence there) has resign'd all Ids 
posts of honor snidprofit. Indeed necessity oblig'd him to, as he and 
his family were in danger of starving; for the country people would 
not sell him any provisions, and the inhabitants, however well dis- 
pos'd any might he to him, dare not procure him any. And Colonel 
Browne of the same place, a lately appointed Judge as well a- coun- 
cellor, is oblig'd to repair here for an assylum. A committee from 
that county waited on him yesterday to require a resignation. 
Whether they obtain'd it or nol I cant learn. The present temper of 
the People throughout the Province is such, that they wont sutler a 
tory to remain any where among 'em without making an ample 
recantation of his principles; ami those who presimn to be so obsti- 



LETTERS OP JOHN ANDREWS. I ■") 

Date aa not to comply, are oblig'd to take up their residence in this city 
of refuge, which the Governor and the Army esteem as yet unsafe for 
them as well as themselves, and notwithstanding the six field pi< 
planted al y° Neck, they have brought twelve cannon from the 
Castle, some nine and some lour pounders, which they have dispos'd 
about the entrance of the town. And this is not the only proof of 
their tear: for I am well intdrm'd that they keep so many and such 
strict guards of nights, that the soldiers don't get but one undisturb'd 
night's sleep out of four. 

September Id///. They have drawn oil' the whole of the troops 
from Salem, and the Board of Commissioners, with the ( !o\ ernor's 
family and furniture, are all arriv'd here, not thinking themselves 
secure in a town surrounded by the country as that is: so that they 
disobey the Act of Parliament as well as y People, which is expressly, 
that no Commissioner shall remain in if town of Boston. The Tea 
arriv'd at that town in y e Julius Caesar is to go to Halifax, where it 
will meet with as unwelcome a reception, I imagine, as here ; as a 
number of y° inhabitants who are here, seem to breathe the same 
spirit of freedom as prevails through the continent. A chest of that 
which went from Portsmouth, was smuggled up to Windsor, a town 
about forty miles from Halifax, and lodg'd with a Magistrate, whose 
house was surrounded by the populace and threatened to be set on lire 
if he did not deliver it up ; and the waggon which convey'd it there 
was intirely demollish'd. 

Su hi/hi/, September 11th. By the Eastern post last evening we are 
inform'd that a mast ship had arriv'd at Portsmouth with thirty 
chests of tea on board, which had taken shelter under the fort ; that 
the inhabitants had taken possession of the foil, and beset one Parry's 
house, to whom it came consign'd, he being a contractor there. And 
sometime yesterday a ship bound from Scotland to New York with 
passengers, put in here in distress, having been eleven weeks out and 
only two days provisions left. They apply'd to the Admiral for leave 
to victual, who very humanely told 'em, if they did not depart in six 
hours he would sink 'em ; and his secretary ask'd them, w hat the 
Devil they came to America for, to be made slaves of; that they'd 
much better go back to Scotland again; that they should not have 
any provisions in this province ; if they wanted any, they might go 
to Newport for it. Am told the Admiral us'd the same threats to the 
transports which sail'd a few days since lor Quebeck, as y captains 
were very unwilling to go, it being so late in the season, and they not 
at all relishing the thoughts of wintering there. 



46 J.I.I 1 LIS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

s mber 12th. The Governor is to return an answer to-day to 
tlir Committee from the County of Suffolk, or rather our county, who 
•waited upon him on Saturday last. Among other matters in their 
remonstrance is, " th;it nothing less than an immediate removal of 
the cannon and artillery from Boston Neck will satisfie'em." Four 
of the refugee councillors lodge al y head of Quaker Line, and have 

four soldiers lodge in y bouse every night to defend 'em if tested, 

a1 3 bottom of which lane, or rather opposite Joy's buildings, are five 
or six shops, improv'd by a Chaisemaker, Taylor, Shoemaker, Barber, 
&ca., in each of which they have a bell ; and when either of 'em ob- 
serves ;i councellor or high Torey pass, he gives y" signal by ringing 
bis bell which takes through the whole, and thus they are compli- 
mented till out of sight. 

The General has set about two hundred soldiers to work upon the 
fortifications this morning; 1 suppose with a view to be in readiness 
to give the county committee a negative answer. He is by no means 
satisfied with his disappointment at Charlestown, as he scut a number 
of officers and soldiers over there yesterday : who were employ'd, in 
Bervice time in particular, in traversing the streets and by-ways, and 
tampering with the children, to get out of them where the cannon 
were hid. .Many of the inhabitants are serious about leaving the 
town, as they arc in general apprehensive that when the Governor 
has sufficiently fortified it, military Law will be declar'd, and no one 
suffer'd to go out but by his permission, notwithstanding what lie may 
have said to the contrary. There is no knowing, Bill, what may take 
place with us. For my own part, I endeavor to make myself as easy 
as I can ; but if they should come to disarming the inhabitants, the 
matter is settled with the town at mice ; for blood and carnage must 
i i H ■ \ itably ensu( — which God forbid ! should e\ er take place 

The County Committee waited upon the Governor this forenoon 
for his answer, when he express'd himself nearly as follows: — 
Good God! Gentlemen, make yourselves easy, and 1*11 be so. You 
have done all in your power to convince the world and me that you 
will not submit to the Acts, and I'll make representations home 
accordingly, for which I will embrace the earliest opportunity. 
You must he sensible it is as much for my benefit as yours', not to 
take any measures that may prevenl thi' country from bringing in 
their provisions, and in return should he glad to he answer'd in 
some questions I may ask, vizt. — What is the reason that the can- 
non were remov'd from Charlestown? — And why do the country 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. L7 

people go in and out of the town arm'd?" Answers to which they 
told his Excellency they would deliver to him in writing to-morrow; 
not but that theymight have satisfied him immediately, bul I suppose 
they chose to be very explicit upon the subject, and take the oppor- 
tunity to open their minds fully upon matters and things to him. In 
regard to the people coming in arm'd, 1 never understood that they 
did : bul as to their going out so is very common, for every man in 
the country not possess'd of a firelock makes ii a point to procure one, 
so that 1 suppose for a month past, or more, not a day has pass'd, 
but a hundred or more are carried out of town by 'em. 
. September IBth. Have inclos'd yon yesterday's paper, which will 
shew yon better than I can express, with what rapidity the recanta- 
tions go on with regard to addressors, &c. ; as also the Middlesex 
County resolves, which are judicious and spirited — with the Conduct 
of Jurors. The 59th Regiment, encamp'd on the Neck, are very 
busy entrenching themselves. P. S. Should be glad to he favor'd, 
if opportunities present, with any particulars of importance that may 
turn up your way, more especially transactions of the Congress. Am 
just inform'd that the officers prevail'd on a negro at Charlestown to 
inform 'em where the cannon were lodg'd; which being known there, 
they mustered about three thousand, and with teems carried 'em 
about ten or a dozen miles further up. Several among 'em were 
eight and forty pounders, which weigh'd between two and three ten 
apiece. This morning Doctor Young left the town, to settle at 
Providence, being apprehensive from the measures that are taking 
that he may be taken up, and therefore thinks it his duty .to defeat 
their purposes, in regard to himself, while it's in his power. 

September 14//t. As vicious minds are apt to exaggerate the truth, 
so one wedded to any particular principles, is very likely to make a 
partial representation of tacts favorable to his own tenets. And as 
the mind of man is capable of receiving different impressions, I think 
it absolutely necessary for one who undertakes to relate occurrences, 
that he should not lie influenced by any prejudices, nor endeavor to 
dress matters so that they may admit of a false coloring — not that I 
can boast of an independant spirit myself, by any means, but must 
freely acknowledge that my sentiment- entirely coincide with the 
peoph : therefore cant but approve the general spirit of freedom that 
prevails at this time through the continent — but at the same time 
would ^///('////condemn any injudicious measures, adopted either by 
whig or tory ; and have endeavored, as far as my abilities would 



48 LETTERS OF JOHN A.NDBEWS. 

admit, to give you a true Btate of things, untiuctur'd with mistaken 
zeal or bad policy, at least Bo far as I can judge for myself, upon 
which principle mine of the 6th " 13th instant was founded, which 
will be handed you by your old friend, Doctor Loring; and regarding 
the same mode, shall proceed to acquaint yon with an instance "I the 
military's disposition to preserve peace and live in harmony among 
n-. Yesterday S. Rogers, J. Smith and \Vm. Palfrey were con- 
vei'sing together near the Province House, when one of y' guards 
posted at y* gate came out, and wvy insolently order'd them to dis- 
perse, and upon refusal, tlireatned to make 'em, by a push of yl 
bayonet, upon which Palfrey immediately walk'd up to the door to 
acquaint hi> excellency -with the usage, and was waited upon by his 
aid de camp, who directly ordered the fellow under guard, and beg'd 
y': favor of y' gentlemen that they would attend the court martial this 
morning, and they should have all the satisfaction they would wish 
or desire. 

Precepts are issued out to call a general Court to be conven'd at 
Salem, but the Governor certainly dont intend they shall sit there, as 
he sent Baker off this day to bring the Records, papers, &ca., from 
there. Besides, he would not chuse to risque his dear self there, now 
that all the troops are come away : for after laying out near, or quite 
two thousand sterling iu building hospitals, liutts. &ca., they have 
tore all down again, save the chimnies, anil brought entirely away. 

September loth. As few days pass without affording some matter 
lor -peculation, what engrosses the attention of the public this morn- 
ing is the mighty feat perform'd by the General last night, having 
order'd two ships near the North battery, with a spring upon their 
cables, ready for an engagement, while a number of Soldiers were 
spiking up all the guns : in which measure he has anticipated the 
intentions of a number of y' inhabitants, who have had it some time 
in contemplation whether to remove, or treat them in y'.' sami manner 
least they might be made use of to fortifie the Neck: though am told 
they had such a tremor upon their spirits while about it, as to do 
them very ineffectually. One man, who had been to view 'em, told 
me he would engage to reinstate 'em all, in the course of a day. But 
what occasion.- some small diversions is, that a captain of an arm'd 
schooner and the lieutenant id' the Preston went between ten. and 
eleven o'clock p.m. to inquire for \" beys, to see if the business was 
done properly, when a woman waited upon 'em, unlock'd the door 
and let 'em in, and watching their motions, she observ'd when they 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 49 

had got far enough forward, and came oul hastily and lock'd the 
doors upon 'em, — where they remain'd a long while, calling to 
the ships to take 'em off (in view of a vast concourse of people on the 
shore, enjoying the jest), as they could not scale the walls without a 
ladder, nor indeed could they gel off by water, as the tide was low 
and they must have dropt above twenty feet from y 1 '. port holes into a 
boat. So, Bill., you may see we have subjects that provoke our 
risible faculties, as well as our irrascible ones. 

ruber \C>th. Overhearing systems, either in Religion or Poli- 
ticks, oftener produce effects that are counter, rather than favorable 
to their designs. Ever since y'.' cannon were taken away from 
Charlestown, the General has order'd a double guard to y: new and 
old gun houses, where y'. brass field pieces belonging to our militia 
are lodg'd : notwithstanding which, the vigilance and temerity of our 
people has entirely disconcerted him, for We'n'sday evening, or 
rather night, they took these from the Old house (by opening the side 
of the house) and carried away through Frank Johonnot's Garden. 
Upon which he gave it in orders the next day to the officer on guard 
to remove those from the New house (which stands directly opposite 
the encampment of the 4th Regiment and in the middle of the street 
near the large Elm tree), sometime the next night into the camp ; 
and to place a guard at each end, or rather at both doors, till then. 
At the fixed hour the Ollicer went with a number of Mattrosses to 
execute his orders, but behold, the guns were gone! He swore the 
] >• vil must have help'd them to get 'em away. However, they went to 
work, and brought oil' the carriages, harness, utensils, ica., which they 
reposited in the Camp. Its amazing to me how our people manag'd 
to carry off the guns, as they weigh near seven hundred weight 
apiece; more especially that they should do it, and not alarm the 
centiuels. Am told their business was not executed above 10 or 15 
minutes before the officer came as above. 

September 17///. Sometime yesterday an ollicer went to take away 
seven or eight iron ordnance, belonging to Arnold AN ells. Esqr., who 
forbid him to take 'em at his peril. They lay along side his Distil 
house,* at a wharf near the South fish market, his dwelling house 
being in the street above, and communicating with the wharf. The 
Military, apprehensive that a delay of their expedition 'till midnight 

* This was formerly a lawful term for distillery: see the leading case of Horn v. 
Baker, l J East, 215. 



50 LETTERS OF JOHN A.NDBEWS. 

would bilk 'fin of their prize, wenl with a large parade in the evening 
to take 'fin away. Mr. Wells being out, his wife (whom you know 
has a very voluble tongue) went out and rallied 'em so, that the 
officer was necessitated to gh e her a rea ipt to be answerahle for their 
forth coming, before she would suffer him to take them. 

A greater or less degree of timidity always accompanies those thai 
are commissioned to execute any unjust or unwarrantable measures : 
a very recenl proof "I which we have, from the conduct of the mili- 
tary last night ; among whom a rumour prevail'd thai the country 
were preparing t" lire their -hip- (which musl have arisen from their 
own terrified imaginations, as 1 can't learn that they had the least 
cause i'nr such an alarm), which induc'd 'cm to place a double guard 
upon their decks, keep boats uian'd and rowing about all night, be- 
sides placing an extra guard on the end of the long wharf. 

Sunday, September tht 18th. It being customary in the camp for 
the soldiers to he drawn out every Monday morning compleatly 
equip'd, with knapsack-. &ca., to lie thoroughly examin'd in regard 
to their linnen, &ca., and as great part of the 38th Regiment are 
going to work upon the fortifications tomorrow morning, they under- 
went their examination about 9 or 10 o'clock this morning ; in order 
to which, they march down towards the beach, which manoeuvre 
rais'd a suspicion in some people's minds (who were more credulous 
than wise) that they were going to Watertown after the cannon : which, 
by being often told, came to he believ'd, and the committee here sent 
to inform their brethren of Charlestown, which broke up their morn- 
ing service and induc'd them to proceed to Cambridge, and from 
thence to Watertown. alarming all as they went, to be prepar'd and 
ready to act upon the defensive, if attack'd. Its possible so trivial an 
affair by propagation may he aggravated to such gross falsehoods as 
were caus'd by the powder expedition. 

September \'Jl/i. A participation in each other's pleasures and sor- 
rows is a blessing that only the human species can boast of: and in- 
deed there are many among them whose natures are so deprav'd as 
not to admit of a fellow feeling for another. But on the other hand, 
I have the charity to think that much the greater pari of mankind 
are not only willing to participate, but equally dispos'd to give proofs, 
far more convincing than bare professions. Among the number of 
the latter, Bill, I always esteem'd you, nor have I ever had reason to 
alter my opinion. Therefore am convinc'd you will partake with us 
in the satisfaction we receive from being told that our cousin Hannah 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 51 

Green, who has repeatedly been given over by her physicians, is now 
in a fair way of recovery, as almost every symptom of her tedious 
disorder has disappear'd — though am much afraid that Euthy is 
going to l»i> sick, as her very slender constitution continually exposes 
her to lake cold. She set out from Hingham late in the afternoon, 
and of consequence did not get home till between 10 ami 11 o'clock 
at night, by which means she has caught a very bad cold, attended 
with a high lever. She was let blood last Fryday. and by the appli- 
cation of proper medicines am in some hopes it will go oft'. 

September 20th. As the fall of the year comes on, and of conse- 
quence the days prow shorter, I find less leisure to write as well as 
less subject to write upon. The first thing which saluted my eyes 
this morning was six loads of straw (a certain prelude to more 
troops) repositing in a house and barn directly opposite us (formerly 
improv'd as barracks) to be in readiness for their use when they 
arrive. Last evening six or seven iron cannon were taken by some 
of the towns people from near Jno. Timmins' store, and put into a 
mudscow, or Portsmouth pleasure boat, with a view to carry up Cam- 
bridge river by the way of the Mill Pond; but the tide failing 'em in 
the creek, they were oblig'd to leave them there, where they were 
discover'd, and information sent to the Admiral, who sent a boat 
about 11 o'clock this forenoon and tow'd 'em along side his -hip. 
Thus you may (iud thieving is encourag'd here, though trade is sup- 
press'd. 

v tember 21st. Am told this morning that Enoch Brown (who 
lives on the Neck) was passing the evening before last to his house 
near the encampment of the 59th, when he was abus'd by one of the 
centinels. He enter'd his complaint to the officer (the only resource 
to be had now, since we are redue'd to a state of nature) who ac- 
quainted him, if he would attend the court-martial on the morrow, he 
should have satisfaction. He accordingly attended yesterday, but 
instead of that, he met with the most scurrilous abuse. The officers 
who sat a- arbitors ask'd him what he wanted? He replv'd that he 
came to have satisfaction for the insult otfer'd him the night before. 
They told him " there was the soldier : he might take it by boxing or 
pistolling with him, which he pleas'd ; that he was a dam'd rebel, 
and would be hung upon the Neck before long; that nine tenths of the 
people in Boston were a pack of dam'd rebels, and would share 
the same fate." He had taken two evidences with him ; one, a young 
fellow who attended his store, and the other a son of Nat. Barber's 



52 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

at the North End. When he told 'em be came for satisfaction and 
ii"t i" be treated ill. they then ask'd him what satisfaction a rebel can 
expect, and who were those he had gol with him? He told them 
they were his evidences, with their names. ••What!" said they — 
"a sod of that dam'd rebel at the- North of the town: A pretty 
affair indeed, t<> bring a rebel as an evidence." After -nine other 
altercation he came off*, ami was oblig'd to put up with the treatment. 
Now, if this i- tli.' game they are going to play, we shall be in a fine 
situation all winter, especially when the others come, as without doubt 
the larger their numbers the more insolent they'll lie. 

Havejusl parted with young IJarher, who came from the Camp a 
few minutes before, as his father had complain'd to the General in re- 
gard to the reflections cast 11)1011 him. who had been to the Camp with 
them to examine into the matter, but it seems that the Officers denied 
that ever they had -aid anything of the kind. So that Brown is as far 
from getting satisfaction as before, though his partner, as well -as 
young Barber, are ready to give their oaths that they not only said as 
above bul that they told Brown, that the Soldier was a Letter man 
than he. and that he did right to eall Mm a Rebel, and further told 
the Soldier that if he call'd a hundred of yl Boston people Rebels, 
he would he right in regard to ninety nine of them. 

At a town meeting this morning they made choice of y'. same 
Members that serv'd the last court, and what's most extraordinary, 
they all had every vote, save Mr. Adams, who was only one defi- 
cient. After which, they went upon other business, and are now at 
4 o'clock p.m. proceeding as formerly upon the town's business, 
without let or molestation from the Governour, though they conven'd 
the meeting without application for leave of him. 

Captain Scott arriv'd yesterday at Salem in 7 weeks from London. 
He has brought a quantity of powder, which comes very seasonably 
at this time, as it's now five or six weeks since the Governor has al- 
lowed any to be taken out of the magazine here, whereby for some 
weeks there has not been a pound to be sold or bought in town. 
lie has likewise brought the Bell for Doctor Cooper's Meeting, which 
weighs 29 cwt. — the gift of the Hon. John Hancock. Esquire. 

22nd. The town meeting continued through this day 
without interruption, when, among other matters transacted, they ap- 
pointed Doctor Warren and Nath. Appleton a- temporary members 
for the provincial Congress, via Messrs. Adams and Cushing; for 
they immagine that no business will he done by the General Court 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 53 

when conven'd at Salem, as the Governor, it's mure likely than not, 
will Qot meet 'em there, nor can he adjourn 'em to this town till they 
are constituted a legislative body, and they won't submit to be sworn 
by the new Councellors, neither is it supposed that the Governor will 
allow them to be capacitated by the old ones. Therefore it's gener- 
ally suppos'd they will adjourn themselves to Concord (where it 
is intended that y° Provincial Congress shall meet) and resolve them- 
s«K es into such a hody. 

Sept* mber 2Srd. The Military are now busy in preparing frames, 
to erect barracks in the Common, for the accommodation of the 
troops now encamp'd there. Some days ago they contracted with 
Thompson of Mistick for a supply of bricks. He loaded one lighter 
to bring over, but by some accident or oilier, she sunk in the river." 
Since which his townsmen have taken the matter into consideration, 
whether he shall supply them or not. And the 21st, he was wailed 
upon by a deputation from Wohuru, a town just above Mistick, to 
desire he would desist from transporting any untill it should be deter- 
min'd in what way and manner it ought to be done, or whether it 
should be done at any rate ; in order to which, a number of Dele- 
gates from all the neighboring towns are to meet in a day or two — 
as they think that others in the trade who are equally sufferers with 
him by the operation of the Tort bill, ought to come in for some 
share of the advantage that may accrue from supplying them. Be- 
sides, they have it in contemplation whether to let them have them 
at all other than by way of land carriage, that they, with us, may 
experience some trifle of the many disadvantages arising from the 
cursed Act. 

September 2-ith. Yours of the 19th inst. by Mr. Revere have 
just receiv'd. Am pleas'd with the approbation of the Congress to 
our proceedings. Am in haste, as Mr. Wilde is now waiting. 

September 25th. As I write for your amusement rather than for 
my own emolument, I doubt not your candor will excuse any error 
you may observe either in diction or composition — and not pretend- 
ing to any scholastic rules, I pen my ideas as freely as they flow. 
Neither do I mean to embellish my letters with apt quotations or 
improve another's sentiments for my own (as my memory is not suffi- 
ciently retentive for the first, nor is my inclination dispos'd to the, 
last), other than that I endeavor, in relating facts (though express'd 
in my own mode), to conform as near to the truth as the best infor- 
mation I can get will admit of. Therefore if there's any fault, am 



54 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

only chargeable myself. The preceding epistle of the 1 lih 5 24th, 
favored by Mr. Wilde, I imagine will afford you the earliest intelli- 
gence run can have from here of late transactions, provided be makes 
tin- dispatch he told me he should. 

The last eveniDg, Joseph Russell in his horse and chaise, together 
with Caleb Blanchard and Captain Symmes, who uses the London 
trade, were returning into town just alter nine o'clock, pass'd li\' or 
Bix centinels till they came to the last before entering the town, who 

hail'd ''■in. and they chusing not to answer, he stop'd the horse and 

demanded why they did not reply friend; when Capt. Symmes (be- 
ing a rough spoken man) damu'd him for a scoundrel, and told him 
he was not his friend, and would not answer to him. and took the 
reins from Russell, and drove upon full gallop through y*. fortifica- 
tion. The fellow calling to the guard to stop the chaise, they turn'd 
out and thrust four bayonets into the horse's side. They immedi- 
ately waited upon the General, who being in bed, they deferred it 
until next morning, when he told 'em that one of the soldiers was 
already under guard and the others should he taken care of. ami if they 
would attend court martial next day, they should have justice done 
'on. Russell reply'd that he did not chuse to attend to he insulted 
and ill-treated as one of his townsmen had been, referring to JUnoch 
Brown. The Governor assur'd him he should he protected, and have 
lull satisfaction, and indeed, as Russell acquainted me, said every- 
thing he could say; and in mitigation of Brown's treatment said they 
who us'd him so were not a proper constituted court. 

The example of our worth;/ brethren of New York, in not letting 
their vessels for Government service, as well as that their Carpenters 
would not engage in any work for 'em. has induc'd the country people 
to think seriously whether they were right in supplying with timber, 
joice, and Straw for the Barracks here. They accordingly met and de- 
termin'd in yl negative ; sent committees to the severall contractors 
to let them know if they supply'd any further they would incur the 
resentment of the whole country ; and at the same time signified to 
our committee of correspondence that they did not think it eligible 
fur the workmen here to go on with building barracks or preparing 
houses for the reception of the troops, as we might possibly, by per- 
sisting, not only incur blame from our sister colonies, but ess 
tially affect the anion now subsisting between town and country; 
which circumstance caus'd the Committee to get together Saturday 
P.M., when they pass'd a vote, that it was not prudent for y' work- 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 55 

men to go on with yl frames, &ca., nor in any shape to contribute 
towards the accommodation of the soldiery, as they might themselves 
give offence to their country brethren. The purport of which 
coming to the Governor, he sent his compliments to the Select 
men, and beg'd their attendance a1 six o'clock this evening, when he 
requested of them that they would not take any measures to prevent 
the workmen from going on with the barracks. They reply'd it was 
not in their power to influence the country, and it lay principally with 
them whether the workmen should proceed or not : that they themselves 
■were dispos'd to have the barracks go on, as they conceiv'd it much 
more li>r the benefit of the town (if the Soldiery must be here) to 
have them kept together, rather than to he scatter' d over the town, as 
in that case it would be a very difficult matter to keep them in order. 
The Governor seem'd a great deal worried about y'.' affair, and am 
told that in tin- course of the conversation he express'd himself thus — 
"Good G — d! for G — d's sake, Gentlemen! they have got two 
months work to do, and the Soldiers ought to he in barracks in one. 
Do consider. Gentlemen!" — Thus the tables are in some measure 
turn'd. Formerly they solicited the Governor, hut now it seems he 
solicits them. A pretty good mess for .Sunday, Bill ; don't you think 
it is? 

September 26th. Sometime this day the Governor had a confer- 
ence with Col: Hancock, requesting him to use his influence with the 
Committee to re-consider their vote respecting the barracks. The 
Colonel observ'd to him that he had taken every possible measure to 
distress us: that notwithstanding it was the Solicitors opinion that 
the Act could be construed to prevent goods, &ca., being transported 
within y'". hounds of the harbour, yet he had not suffered it to he done, 
and the Ships of War had seiz'd whatever had been attempted to be 
transported in that manner. He likewise told him that he had been 
threat'ned, and apprehended his person was in danger, as it had 
been gave out by some of his people that he deserv'd to he hang'd : 
upon which the Governor told him he might have a guard, if he 
chose it. to attend him night and day. You will naturally conclude 
that he declin'd accepting. 

September 27th. At four o'clock yesterday afternoon, the work- 
men all pack'd up their tools and left the barracks, frames, &ca. ; so 
that I am apprehensive we in the town will feel ill effects of it. as it 
has been given out that the troops will force quarters next month, if 
barracks are not provided for 'em : neither should I blame them for 



56 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDBEWS. 

so doing, as the nights are so cold already, thai it's impossible for 'em 
in sleep comfortable under their slighl canvas tents. And as to 
empty houses, now Bince we have gol so many refugees among us, 
there is nol half sufficient to hold whal troops we have gol already 
here. After the carpenters h;i<l left off work, the General Bent Col. 
Robinson and Major Sheriff to Mr. Hancock, to [el him know if they 
would proceed with the barracks, lie could suffer any thing to be 
transported within the limits of the harbour, under the sanction of 
King's stores — bui all would not avail; as they very justly suppos'd, 
that alter the work was compleated he would withdraw the indulgence, 
a> he deems it. though in justice it not be prevented at all. 

They have gol the Carpenters from the Ships of War, and have 
sent an arm'd Schooner to Halifax for all the Artificers they can pro- 
cure from there. It's possible they may be as averse to coming as 
the Yorkers. 

Joseph Scott having sold a large quantity of Cannon Shot, Co- 
horns, Mortars, &ca., for the use of the Army; this afternoon they 
took away ten cart-loads of the former, which has, with great reason, 
caus'd much uneasiness among the inhabitants, who forbid the car- 
riers not to transport any more upon their peril. One of the Com- 
mittee expostulated with Scott upon the subject, who pretended that 
the Government had a right to them, as they were made for their 
ust last War — a pit i full excuse indeed! to justify a man that fur- 
nishes an enemy with ammunition to destroy his own townsmen, 
countrymen, or I may say his own brethren. The Gentleman of the 
Committee observ'd to him that he did not think even those men, 
pointing to a number of Soldiers in his shop, would be guilty of such 
an action, upon which they immediately reply'd " that they would 
not." 

September 28th. Captain Calef arriv'd from London last night. 
He left there the 4th ultimo, and Admiral Montague arriv'd the 2d ; 
but has brought no news of any importance, as the letters by him 
were to undergo the inspection of the Admiralty office; therefore the 
subject of them could not have transpired so as to cause much spec- 
ulation before he came away. It's inimagiu'd by the passengers, that 
it' Calef had Btay'd a few days longer, they would have taken most of 

the g Is out of him again, as Governor Hutchinson had represented 

matters in such a light (and by help of the address, however infamous) 
as to lull their suspicious altogether, and make them believe that the 
Tea was paid for, and that the new regulations would take place 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 57 

withoul any opposition. So that they had executed orders that were 
only conditional, whereby the tour ships already arriv'd. came as full 
as they could store. 

About nine o'clock A.M. a company of the train came down to 
Scott's for the remainder of the shot, hand Granades, Cohorns, &ca., 
in consequence of which some of the Committee waited on him. lie 
told them that he had not sold 'em (though Col. Cleveland, who com- 
mands the train, and was the whole forenoon about the neighbour- 
hood, declar'd that the business was not of their seeking; that Scott 
had repeatedly solicited them to take 'em. and as they were //"»■ the 
King's property, he had it in orders from the General to take the re- 
mainder; and have them they must, at all events), and would refuse 
to let them have the remainder. He accordingly went and told the 
Officer not to take any more at his peril, that he disavow'd the 
proceeding and order'd his cellar door to be lock'd ; upon which 
the officer return'd with half his men. and left the others as a guard. 
When about noon, they came down with about lot) men and 8 or 10 
officers, with a number of fatigue men with hand barrows, with about 
thirty tackled in one of their field carriages with a box fix'd on, 
when proceeded up the court and brought away about fifty or sixty 
cohorns. After which, they return'd with a carpenter, broke open 
the cellar door, and were constantly employ'd in carrying shot, 
&ca., till nearly sunset, which they reposited in the South battery, 
having improv'd that as a magazine for some time past : the otdy 
articles remaining of the purchase being two carriage guns, which 
caus'd 'em two trips more. The countrymen that happeu'd to be in 
town, seem'd to be more enrag'd than the townspeople, whose pas- 
sions were full high enough likewise. One of the former, seeing 
Scott standing near his shop, told him if he would come across the 
gutter, he would be the death of him, and think in so doing, he 
should do God service. 

September 29th. Sometime last night they gave Scott a HiTs- 
borough trait, and not content with disfiguring the outside of his shop, 
they by help of a ladder opeu'd his chamber window and emptied 
several buckets full into it. Should be glad for the honor of the 
town, that they would leave off such beastly practices — as there 
manv much better ways of showing their resentment. 

Yesterday Captain Llyde sailed for Loudon, from Salem, in whom 
Josiah Quincy went passenger. It was not known that he was to be 
her passenger till he went on board to set sail. Upon enquiry, am 

8 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

told thai he is goue upon publick business, with proper credentials 
from the Congress, and thai a deputy is to go, or have already gone, 
from each of the provinces, in the same secrel manner. Am much 
pleas'd with the plan, as I make ao doubl it will be attended with 
great benefil to the continent, and may expedite measures for our re- 
lief — for i«' continue long in the 3tate we are now in, is shocking to 
think of. In the course of a day or two past, the Roxbury people 
have burnl several 1<>;i<1 of straw thai was bringing in here, which 
has enrag'd the soldiers to such a degree, thai 1 am in continual ap- 
prehension we shall soon experience another fifth of March, which 
God forbid! for. should such a thing take place it musl be attended 
with fatal consequences ; as the only expedient would be for the in- 
habitants to remove themselves and effects out of the town — when 
the country would instantly avail themselves of the advantage, and 
would indeed rejoice at the opportunity, to stop a supply of provis- 
ions, whereby those remaining in the town together with the innocent 
Soldiers, would share one common fate, or move off. 

ember SOth. In the afternoon of yesterday, a boal from the 
Lively (which ship, by the way. i< under sailing Orders to carry the 
firsl news of what may be determin'd by the Con-rev-) seiz'd a 
parcell of Merchandize to the amount of about fifty pounds, lawful 
money, which were a dozen firelocks, the property of Mr. Phillips 
of Andover. He waited on Captain Bishop to obtain a release of 
them; but most people would he -lad to have the matters come to a 
tryal, in order to have it determin'd whether they have a right to 
seize any article, transported across the harbor, or not. 

October 1st. It's common for the Soldiers to tire at a target fix'd 
in the stream at the bottom of tin- common. A countryman stood by 
a lew dav- ago, and laugh'd very heartily at a whole regiment's firing, 
and not one being able to bit it. The officer observ'd him. and ask'd 
why be laugh'd? Perhaps you'll be affronted if I tell you, reply'd 
the countryman. No. he would not, he said. Why then, says he, I 
laugh to see how awkward they lire. Why, I'll be bound I bit it ten 
times running. Ah! will you, reply'd the officer ; come try: Sol- 
diers, go and bring five of the best guns, and load 'em for this honest 
man. Why. you need not bring so many : let me have any one that 
comes to hand, reply'd the other, lint I chuse to load myself. He ac- 
cordingly loaded, and ask'd the officer where he should tire? He 
reply'd, to the right — when he pull'd tricker, and drove the ball as 
near the ri-ht as possible. The officer was amaz'd — and said he 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 59 

could not do it again, as that was only by chance. He loaded again. 
Where shall I lire? To tin- left — when he perform' d as well as 
before, (dine! once more, says the officer. — lie prepar'd the third 
time. — Where shall I fire naoio ' — /// the < '< nh r. — He took aim, and 
the ball went as exact in the middle as possible. The officers as well 
as soldiers star'd, and tho't the Devil was in the man. Why, says 
tin' countryman, I'll tell you naow. I have trot a boy at home that 
will toss up an apple and shoot out all the seeds a- its coming down. 

The Country towns, iu general, have chose their own officers, and 
muster for exercise once a week at least — when the parson as well 
as the Squire stands in the Ranks with a firelock. — In particular at 
Marblehead, they turn out three or four times ;i week, when Col. Lee 
as well as the Clergymen there are not asham'd to appear in tin- 
ranks, to be taught the manual exercise, in particular. 

One more anecdote, and I'll close this barren day. When the 
59th Regimenl came from Salem, and were drawn up on each side 
the Neck, a remarkable tall countryman, near eighl feet high, stinted 
between 'em, at the head of his waggon, looking very sly and con- 
temptuously on one side and t'other; which attracted the notice of 
the whole regiment. — Ay, ay, says he, you don't know what boys 
we have got in the country. I am near nine feet high, and one 
of the smallest among 'em — which caus'd much merriment to the 
spectators, as well as surprise to the soldiers. Indeed, lhll ! were 
I to tell you of all the jokes and wittisisms of the Country people, I 
would have little else to do. 

October 2d. Yesterday a Serjent and eight men of the Royal 
"Welch fusileers were to he try'd at a Court martial for endeavoring 
to make their escape from the Regiment, with two others who 
betray'd 'ein : their intentions were to go off in a body, and take the 
standards with them. 

October 3rd. Am told the general has assur'd the respective Regi- 
ments this day, that they shall go into barracks in three days, as they 
were very apprehensive of a mutiny; the hard service and had accom- 
modations having rais'd great discontents among them. But where 
he means to provide for 'em, I don't know, as they can't get a work- 
man here, though they have offer'd so high as two and three dollars 
a day, or even auy price at all, if ever so extravagant; as they are 
oblig'd to dismiss the Carpenters they had from the ships, being \er\ 
ignorant of the method of framing and indeed of any sort of work 
that they wanted done. 



6 ' LETTERS OF JOHM ANDREWS. 

Ot ' ■ <• Vfi. Yesterday afternoon our honorable and ancienl 
Artillery company turn'd out, and for want of a better place they 
march'd down to Cop's hill, where they went through their several 
manoeuvres to the satisfaction of every one, and really made a much 
more respectable appearance than they formerly us'd to. Their fifes 
and drums, when Dear the hill, alarra'd the Lively, which lays near 
the ferry : and when they had gol upon the bill, in sight of the Ship, 
the Boatswain's whistle call'd all hands upon deck, the marines with 
their firelocks were fix'd upon the quarter, the ports open'd with a 
Bpring upon their cables, the round lops man'd, and a boal man'd and 
sent out upon each side to reconnoitre. Such was the terror they 
were in. from the appearance of about fifty pompions in arms. At 
aboul five o'clock they remarched into Kingstreet, where they per- 
form'd their evolutions with the greatest propriety and exactness ; 
much more so, in my opinion, than any performances of the troops 
since thcy'\ e been here. 

October 5th. The dispositions of the people in the Country are in 
general so restless, that they are continually sending Committees 
down upon one errand or other — which has caus'd the Governor to 
say, that he can do very well with the Boston Selectmen, but the 
damn'd country committees plague his soul out, as they are very 
obstinate and hard to be satisfied. This day a deputation of twelve 
came to town with a very spirited remonstrance from the body of 
Worcester Comity, which consists of five and forty town-; where 
they have incorporated seven regiments consisting of a thousand men 
each, chose their officers, and turn out twice a week to perfect them- 
selves in the military art — which are call'd minute nun. i.e., to be 
reads at a minute's warning with a fortnight's provision, and amnni- 
tion and arms. 

At Newbury bridge they have got an Old Man fix'd with a drum, 
who, as soon as he observes a Government man enter, parades with 
his drum beating and proclaims through the town "a tory come to 
town." &ca. 

October 6th. A Committee is expected in town some time today, 
from the general assembly to his excellency, who are met at Salem, 
notwithstanding the governor's prorogation, among whom a number 
of the old Constitutional Councellors are conven'd. Yesterday met at 
Plymouth, the body of that county, to the number of about four thou- 
sand, when they proceeded to make all the addressors and protestors 
there make a publick recantation. After which, they attempted to 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 01 

remove a Rock (the one on which their fore-fathers first landed, when 
they came to this country) which lay buried in a wharfe five feet 
deep up into the center of the town, near the court house. The way 
being up hill, they found it impracticable, as after they had dug it up, 

they found it to weigh ten tons at least. A modern instance of 
Superstition, 15 ill ! 

October 7th. One consolation afforded us by our people's refusing 
to build Barracks, is that they are fitting up the Block houses &ca., 
at the Castle, tor the reception of the expected Regiments, a- well as 
that they keep the 64th Regiment also there, which was intended to 
have heeu quarter'd in town, had the barracks been built. Hen. 
Davis has let his store, on the Dock, for the use of the troops, and 
George Spoouer his also, which lays near it ; so that all those who 
improve Stores there are upon the look out to remove, they being 
determin'd so to do, rather than be in the midst of them. 

October 8th. We were this morning bless'd with the agreeable 
sight of about twenty soldiers, with their tools. &ca., ready to go to 
work upon the store opposite the front of our house, formerly im- 
prov'd as barracks: so that we are like to have a fine time of it, all 
winter. 

October 9th. Breck arriv'd home on. fryday evening, but his trunk 
not coming to baud, I did not receive your favor, by him, till last 
night. Am oblig'd for your intentions of being more particular, and 
can very easily make an allowance for the hurry of business, as 1 
have formerly experieue'd it myself; nor is my wishes wanting to 
have such an excuse to plead now. But, alas ! Bill, our condition is 
undescribable. Cole's wife, I imagine, has been in your city some- 
time, as she went from here three or four weeks since, from whence 
she is to embark Avith her husband and children for England, who has 
let his ship to Captain Holland (a geutleman who has been this way 
near seven years, taking a survey of the Continent) to convey him 
and his family to Philadelphia, with whom Cole takes passage like- 
wise, and after her discharge proceeds with her to England or Scot- 
land, where he proposes making a long tarry. He din'd with us last 
week, and acquainted us that Mrs. Le Cand, upon account of the 
troubles here, had put off her intentions of coming for a twelvemonth, 
which information he had from Joe, who has had five or six letters 
from her since she left here. Therefore the excuse of masters of 
vessells not being willing to take letters is altogether idle. 

When she was here, we were together at Cole's store, where she 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

saw some fin sealing wax, said Mr. Fookt bad been looking for Bome 
such a long time (it being after h bad returned to Philadelphia ). that 
she would take it all, five dollars worth, tor him. and lie would - 
the money tor it. when she got hack t<> your city — but by intend 
forgetfulness it never was sent. Coir-' lad. being there in a vessell of 
his last winter, apply'd to Mr. Fooks tor it. who acquainted him that 
he had already paid Mrs. L< < and tor it. and that otherways he waa 
largely in advance tor her ami therefore should not pay it. 

Am told, there are meat dissentions among the 
Committee at New York, and that they have voted to supply General 
I ■ _•■ with whatever he may want : in consequence of which, Carpen- 
ters are coming from there to build barracks. — It' true, and they are 
suffer'd to proceed, the matter is settled with us. for it is with the 
greatest difficulty that the country are restrain'd from coming in even 
now. As to the Quarel of the New York Committee, it is notorious. 
Have inclos'd you a N* w Catalogue of the names of the Address a 
and protestors, which are bought up by the country people with the 
greatest avidity. You'll observe that the Compiler- have a better 
opinion of the litth popt than to rank them with such a class of men. 
1 •"• '. Governor Hutchinson having ship'd twelve field 

pieces on hoard Captain Robson lor the use of this province, which 
were voted by the house two year- since, and the money paid into the 
Speaker's hand- to procure 'em. hut a difficulty arising in England in 
regard to the sending them, which Governor Hutchinson has 
since he ha- been home — hut the proprieter in London has consign'd 
them to William Pepperill, oue of the new Councellors, with orders 
not to deliver them till the money is forthcoming : in consequence of 
which, am told the General has this day sent a Ship of War to Salem, 
to order the ship to the Castle immediately upon her arrival at Salem, 
and there to unlade the Cannon. 

1 [th. A Committee from the provincial Congress waited 
upon the Governor this afternoon, with an address or remonstrance. 
lie treated them very politely, hut would not allow it to he read to 
him. lie told them he would consider whether he could admit of an 
addres- from a provincial con-res-. Colonel Let' of Marblehead. 
their chairman, told him, that admit or not admit, time- were such 
now. that something must he done, and that it was highly necessary 
that they should he heard and regarded. L'pou which his Excellency 
told him he would take it as a favoi it he would leave it tor his pe- 
rusal, and he would endeavor to give them all the satisfaction in his 
power, consistant with his duty to his Majesty. 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 63 

ber 15th. The Committee of ways and means have been 
flinging up a dyke to prevent the water from flowing upon the brick 
yards on the Neck, and as the 59th incampment lays near them, the 
Soldiery are preparing the ground to set up pickets across the Neck, 
to prevenl the Soldier.- from deserting, as they embrace every oppor- 
tunity and go off very fast, being sure of protection in the country. 
Yesterday in the afternoon, they carried their line across the dyke, 
and began to cut through it ; winch being observ'd, the people at 
work there immediately dispatch'd a messenger to the Select men, 
when Samuel Austin went and forbid the commanding officer to pro- 
ceed at his peril ; upon which a very warm contest ensued, when 
Austin step'd into the breach and declar'd lie would lose his lite be- 
fore another spade should lie stuck in the ground, and that unless the 
officer would promise upon his honor that he would desist, whiles he, 
Austin, waited upon the General, he would bring the country upon 
them immediately. The officer complied, and he accordingly waited 
upon the Governor, who directly order'd the principal engineer to 
take horse and immediately order the breach to be till'd up again and 
put in the same condition as before. 

We are all wishing for a re-establishment of peace and harmony, 
both the Soldiery and Inhabitants, but am afraid, Bill, it is further 
off than we imagine, as they are taking up transports in England to 
send over six more regiments. God grant there may not be any 
blood shed ! in the sincerity of which wish I subscribe myself your 
affectionate friend and brother. 

P. S. You don't mention having received the letter I sent you by 
Mr. Glover, though you have acknowledg'd the receipt of two suc- 
ceeding ones. 

October IQth, Sunday. The chief felicity of Man's life, in my 
opinion, consists in being bless'd with a virtuous mind, domestic hap- 
piness, and the good will of the community where he re-ides, together 
with a competent fortune. The last concomitant may be deem'd by 
some as no ways necessary to happiness, but as a good mind and 
generous heart are ever inseparable, it must afford a peculiar satis- 
faction to one so bless'd, to have it in his power to relieve the necessi- 
ties of those whom the Almighty has thought fit to place in a station 
of life thai may require it — and the good will of our neighbours, as 
well as peace at home, are essential requisites for the enjoyment of 
those blessings that all mankind are seeking after, and may tend to 
compose our minds to such a frame as is highly necessary for our 
future well being. 



til LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

Upon reading the above, you may possibly say, Jack has turn'd 
moralist — but the thoughts of whal we now, and arc like to suffer, 
gave rise to the above reflections — and, however differenl our senti- 
ments may be, from the general eonducl of the people, every day's 
experience tells me thai not only good policy, but our own quiet, 
absolutely depends upon a bare acquiescence at least. Therefore I 
esteem them very blameable who have persisted in an opposition to 
them, as vox populi, vox Dei — and their resentment is so great in 
return, that it's a chance whether (if their struggles should produce 
better times) they will ever admit of such passing their future days 
uninterrupted among 'em. My last of 25th ultimo to 15th Instant. 
will In' handed you by Mr. Edward Hill, a pupil of John Adam-'.-. 
Esquire. 

October 17th. The return of one Mr. Dyar, who was kidnapp'd, 
put in iron-, and sent home in the ship that carried Admiral Mon- 
tague, cause- much speculation here — as by his affidavit, taken 
before the Lord Mayor (which is sent by Sheriff Lee to Mi-. Han- 
cock) wherein lie declares that Colonel Maddisou of the King's Own 
Regiment promised him reward- and endeavor'd to entice him to say 
that Colonel Hancock. &ca., were the instigators of, and immediately 
concern'd in, the destruction of the Tea. He also says that the 
Admiral, on his passage, us'd many arguments to perswade him to 
the same thing. As he was a seafaring man. his wife nor family did 
not know of his being gone in that manner, but, by his absence, sup- 
pos'd he was gone a voyage that he had been engag'd for. His 
account of the matter is, that he Inning said that he knew all about 
and who were concern'd in the destruction of tea — being an artfnll 
fellow ami one who pretends to know every thing — in consequence 
of which, he was seiz'd by two soldiers in a remote, retir'd part of 
the town, and convey'd to the camp, where he was kept shackled till 
the ship sail'd. It was known to many, though it never came to my 
knowledge, that a man was carried home for enticing the Soldiers to 
desert, which was the reason they th( n gave for his being taken up. 

Am told that Colonel Hancock and Colonel Maddisou have had an 
interview upon the subject — and that the latter has fully satisfied the 
former that what the fellow has alledged is absolutely false; tho* that 
he was carried home, and in the manner here related, is beyond 
dispute. 

October 18th. The above mentioned Dyar having declar'd since 
he came home, that if he could not have publick satisfaction lor his 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 65 

extraordinary treatment, he would take it personally; — in conse- 
quence of which resolution, about noon this day, he made up to 
Colonel Cleveland of the train and Captain Montresor, Engineer, who 
were standing together in the main Street, just above Liberty tree, and 
inquir'd if the former was not Colonel Maddison. lie understood 
they said yes (but they told him no), and being provided with a pair 
of pistols loaded with bullets, he presented one at Colonel ( '/< veland's 
head and the other at Captain Montresor 's. It very luckily happen'd 
that the former flash'd in the pan, and the other only snap'd. Disap- 
pointed at his ill success, or rather diabolical scheme, he seiz'd and 
drew the former's cutlass out of its sheath, and made a stroke at his 
head. The Colonel elevated his arm, and fortunately receiv'd the 
blow upon one of the buttons on the sieve of his coat, which diverted 
the edge in such a manner, as that the blade glanced down by the 
side of his head and gave him only a small wound in the neck, and 
splitt the favorable button in two. Captain Montresor ran behind a 
cart to escape his fury, upon which he flung the pistols at him and run 
off flourishing the Colonel's cutlass, and proceeded directly to Cam- 
bridge and went into the room where the jirnrincitrf Congress were sit- 
ting, and told them he had got one of the swords that Lord North had 
sent over to kill 'em with. When they came to know what he had 
been doing, they immediately sent for an officer and committed 
him. 

October 10th. By the return of Revere, am a little easier in regard 
to matters, as I hope the resolves of the Continental Congress, brought 
by him, will have some influence upon the councils of the provincial 
one, and check their impetuous zeal. 

October 20th. This day the trial came on before the court of Ad- 
mirality respecting the seizure of a Mud scow for (hiring to conv< y a 
few effects over to an Island, within the limits of the harbour. The 
Admiral, conscious of his having done wrong, and apprehensive that 
judgment would be gave against him, made interest to have the court 
adjourn' d without any reasonable plea — but at the same time told 
the injur' d owner he might, if he would, take the scow, &ca., again. 
They likewise let a boatload of wood come up from Hingham, and 
told the skipper he might have brought it up ever since the harbour had 
been shut, if he had not been a fool — as d — d a lye as ever was told 
— when they've all along prevented even the produce of the islands 
within the harbour being brought up to town, such as potatoes, &ca. 
Am told they find it difficult to get a supply of wood for the troops, 

9 



06 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

and thai they have en gag' d most of the piles that the wharfingers have 
laid up for a winter supply for the poor. I laid in my winter's Btock 
last week, which cosl me nearly twenty dollars more than formerly it 
used to. 

her 2\st. In every respect, I find this town arc sufferers, as 
the Carpenters are not only coming from New York, hut a parcel! 
have already arriv'd from Portsmouth, New Hampshin — whereby 
our own workmen are starving, when they might have had a dollar a 
day for as long as they would work — and cither- come, and are bene- 
fitted by it. Such has in general been the -policy of this town. The 
Committee of ways and means have not as yet reallis'd the \ altte of two 
thousand pounds sterling from all the donations thai they have receiv'd 

— which, you must be very sensible, /»'///, will go but a very little ways 
towards maintaining so numerous a body of men as are now out of 
employ by the operation of "port bill — more especially over a tedious 
winter. 

October 22nd. Alter surviving a lit of apoplexy two days, at six 
o'clock this morning died that zealous advocate for American liberties, 
William Molineaux. If he was too rash, and drove matters to an 
imprudent pitch, it was owing to his natural temper; as when be was 
in business, he pursued it with the same impetuous zeal. His loss is 
not much regretted by the more prudent and judicious part of the 
community. 

Octoh r 23rd. This day arriv'd the four transport ships from New 
York, with the 47th Regiment, &ca., on board. Where they intend to 
quarter 'em, I can't learn, as they have already taken up all the empty 
houses in town, which are hardly sufficient for the eight Regiments 
already here, who are still in camp. 

October 24£/i. On Saturday evening a man was badly wounded by 
one of the guard at Charlestown ferry house. Complaint was made 
to the General, who immediately order'd the Guard to be reliev'd and 
taken into custody, and assur'd the friends of the sufferer that they 
should have satisfaction, by a fair tryal, this day. 

October 25th. By a vessel jusl arriv'd from Bristol, we have 
accounts rather more favorable than heretofore, as they now begin to 
view the Port Bill in its true light, and have opened subscriptions, both 
in London and Bristol, for the relief of this town. Am told that one 
Alderman in the former city put down five hundred pounds sterling 

— which circumstance has serv'd, in a great measure, to compose the 
minds of the people here, as one third of the inhabitants, by reason 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. G7 

of things looking very dark lately, are in pursuit of houses in the 
country, in order to remove with their families. A great many are 
already gone, and others arc removing daily — which 1 think a mad 
scheme altogether, and am determin'd for my own part, not to think 
of any thing of the kind, hut to stay here as long as 1 can gel pro- 
visions to eat, and can go and come where I please. Breck is de r- 
niin'd among the rest to leave town. Have made use of every 
argument I was capable of, for a fortnight past, to diswade him from 
it, but can't prevail, as he views matters in such a dismal Light, as that 
he is obstinately benl upon going. 

October 26th. We have had so remarkable a tine season that 
many hushes that had lost their leaves, are rebudded again — and in 
some Gardens in town they have trees that are in blossom ; this, and 
several preceeding days, have been as warm as in June. 

October 29th. Last evening one of the transport ships arriv'd 
from Quebeck with more troops. Was in hopes, as the season was so 
far advane'd, that they would have been oblidg'd to have taken up 
their residence for the winter there — but I find ev'ry thing tends to 
promote our having a blessed winter of it : that i.-, blessed with having 
twelve regiments, of Devils I was going to say, among's — blessed with 
having them dispos'd in almost every other house in town — bless'd 
with having their enrag'd tempers to deal with, caus'd by the ill- 
judefd policy of few among us. 

Such has been the fate of thousands! but hard to tell 
It' tin- such ill-concerted plans, we fare so well. 

Where wisdom rules, and reason hears the sway. 

\ ml />,•//</, a/ conduct governs all they say, 

Then mighty zeal, upheld by patriot rules, 

Unaw'd by power, nor check'd by timid tools — 
Must — by reason's right, as well by nature's law.-. 
Overcome tie- tyrant, ami support the <'nn.«. 

So much for Liberty strain, Bill — the poetical vein having just 
taken me; perhaps tomorrow (being a very fickle genius) I may breath 
different sentiments, 'as like causes don't always produce the same 
effects. 

Our provincial congress have adjourn'd themselves for three weeks. 
Had much rather they were dissolv'd — as they arc principally com- 
pos'd of spirited, obstinate countrymen, who have very little patience 
to boast of. Am therefore much afraid they will adopt measures that 
may impede the adjustment of our differences — a> the more prudent 
among 'em bear but a small proportion. They have follow'd the 



68 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

example of tin' Continental congress and kept all their debates and 
transactions to themselves. All we can learn is, thai they have seve- 
ral times agitated the matter about requesting the inhabitants of this 
town to leave it : which is as absurd as it is impracticable. Several 
times since their sitting it is likewise been reported, that they were 
about establishing a standing army to be COmpos'd of fifteen thousand 
men : a scheme not only ridiculous, but fraught with a degree of mad- 
ness at this juncture. 

It has been given out by some of the members, that they have pre- 
par'd a pill for the governor. I hope not. from my soul, as there is no 
man existing could behave better than he has done, considering the 
difficult part he lias to act. As to removing the cannon from 
the Neck, no reasonable man can blame him for it, when they con- 
sider how many hostile threats he has had. For should he comply, 
and by that means be surpriz'd and worsted, he must inevitably lose 
his head. Not that 1 am in the least apprehensive that he would be 
attack'd — but then it's his duty to guard against even a bare possibil- 
ity — though it maybe represented to him as improbable, and as such 
he may believe it. 

Sunday the 30th October. Last evening an affray happen'd at New 
Boston with three or four drunken officers of the 28th Regiment, who 
to support their character abus'd every person they met by cutting 
some and beating others, when at last they met with one Thomas 
Moore, a noted man for Cruizing, whom they fell'd at the first onset. 
He found them too many for him, and being without a cudgel, he fled 
into Ned Carne's house, and they after him. lie got out the back 
way, and crossing the fences came to his own house in Battle street, 
furnish'd himself with a club and two assistants, and return'd to the 
charge. He met them by Chardon's house, and told 'cm it was his 
turn now, and fell to and beat them pretty decently — took three of 
their swords and one hat as booty. — Thus in ev'ry affray as yet the 
officers have been the aggressors and came off second best. 

October 31st. Am in hopes tomorrow will produce some plan to 
preserve peace and harmony among the Soldiers and inhabitants, as 
the Governor is then to send in his proposals to the town meeting for 
such a purpose, in consequence of the measure being propos'd to him 
last Sunday by Mr. Richardson. He readily acquiese'd with it, and 
said he would confer with any committee the town might chuse. 
They accordingly made choice of seven, who have negotiated the mat- 
ter, and are to make report of their proceeding and lay the govern- 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 69 

or's proposal before them. I think it a degree of condesention we 
could not have expected from the Governor, as he not only permits 
the meeting, contrary to the express letter of the Act — but rather 
promotes it by holding a conference with them when assembled in 
that capacity. 

November 1st. Tomorrow come, but no good effects have arisen 
from the Governor's proposal, as a discontented few, who make it 
their principal to keep up the Ball, by their influence among tlie 
popularity, rais'd a party, aud caus'd the whole day to be pass'd in 
altercation, and eventually, set the matter aside — under a notion of 
preserving the dignity of the town, and that it was derogatory to their 
honor to treat with the governor in his Military capacity — tho' his 
excellency propos'd, among other things, that the Soldiers should not 
be permitted to wear side arms, but upon duty. The affair of burn- 
ing the vessel with tea at Maryland has elevated their spirits — and 
caus'd an indignant smile at the feeble efforts of tyranny. 

November 2nd. Last evening the Overseers of the poor here, as is 
their custom, took up the Mistress, or house keeper of one Wis wall, a 
shoemaker (who formerly belong'd to Cambridge, but since the troops 
have been here has got to work for one of the Regiments and remov'd 
into town, where he has kept a house of ill fame for some time past), 
and committed her to the charge of a constable, to be deliver'd to the 
care of another constable at Charlestown, and so on till they get her to 
the town from whence she came ; — upon which Wiswall apply'd to the 
Colonel of the Regiment, and told him they had taken away his wife 
because he work'd for them. In consecpiencc of which, the Colonel 
immediately orders a guard of men in pursuit of her, who came up 
with her at Charlestown and forcibly took her from the Constables and 
convey'd her to the Camp. Upon application of the Gentlemen Over- 
seers to the General, he not only order'd her to be deliver'd immedi- 
ately — but very severely reprimanded the Colonel for medling in 
the matter — and likewise thoroughly assur'd, as well as conviue'd, the 
Overseers and Selectmen, that he was more dispos'd to support the civil 
or Common Law, than Military Law in this town. 

November 3rd. In consequence of an adjournment from Tuesday 
the town met this day, and made choice of a new Committee to con- 
sider of some plan to preserve the peace of the town ; by increasing the 
number of watchmen, &ca. 

November 4th. Am told the General is determiu'd to send two or 
three Officers home, who were the principals in this affray of Satin- 



70 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

day aight last, in order to make their punishment the more exem- 
plary. 

A mber 5th. Last evening they burnt at Charlestown a hogs- 
head and barrell of Tea, the property of one Graham, a Scotsman, 
who lives al May place on the Neck of Land. The hogshead was 
stow'd as full as it could hold, and the barrell contained parcels dune 
up 1 to 2 oz. bundles for a conveniency to retail. 

Sunday the 6th November. This day sail'd for London his Majes- 
ty's Schooner St. Lawrence, in which went passenger thai stanchfriend 
/,, Government (as the tories call themselves) [ugersol of Great Bar- 
rington. She was to have sail'd a week ago, bu1 waited till now, to 
carry the resolves of the Congress. 

A ember dth. l>y the Association of the Congress I observe they 
recommend it. that no one shall advance the price of their goods in 
consequence of the non-importation agreement. Now, whether we 
shan't be justified in doing it, when we have had so scanty a supply 
in compare with the other provinces, as well considering the enor- 
mous expencewe are at to get our goods from Salem, being more than 
equal to the freight from England ; but more especially in regard to 
the high price of provisions, being oblig'd to pay from lid. to 15d. a 
pound for Butter, 1 shilling a dozen for Eggs, 6d a pound for Tur- 
keys, 2 shillings to .'5 shillings a pair for fowls. 5d. lor Beef, 14 shil- 
ling for Cyder, with every thing else in proportion, together 53 
shillings 4 pence to 60 shillings for brown sugar, L3d. for Loaf ditto, 
and hardly to he got at that: all in consequence of our new-comers, 
whose servants go into the market and give any price they are 
ask'd. 

A ■nih'r \.0th. Last evening the Congress arriv'd, together with 
Esquire Loring, who deliver'd me two demands upon < Officers which he 
could not get paid at York, together with your letter of the 26th 
ultimo inclosing two other demands — all which will endeavor to 
attend to. At present it"s impossible to find 'em out (among such an 
inumerable number as we have here, not less than five hundred to lie 
Mire) a- they have not a- yet got iuto Lodgings, being on hoard the 
transports — and as the policy of the town don't admit of an inter- 
course with any of 'em, it's out of my power to find out by enquiring 
of others, as I have not the least acquaintance with one among 'em — 
though Ruthy has been complimented with a couple Cards to attend a 
Concert for the season (by an Officer's wife who improves the front 
part of the house which Old Dana formerly liv'd in — in gratitude 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 71 

for many favors they've received of US in the lending an<l giving 
way for four months past) which she politely declin'd accepting. 
She's the prettiest woman among 'em all — but no soisability as yel 
with her. 

November 11///. Yesterday a man on board one of the Transports 
cut his throat from ear to ear. His being detected in stealing grease 
was the cause of his committing so horrid an act — as he said be had 
lost his character, and therefore was asham'd to live any longer. 
Should not care if some other people in both England and America 
were moved with the same compunction to rid themselves of the world 
and the world of them. 

November 12///. Both Hancock's and Long Wharfs are lin'd with 
Transports, which have on hoard the 17th. 52nd, 18th, 16th and 10th 
Regiments — which are oblig'd to remain on these, as they've not as 
vet got barracks provided for 'em. 

Sunday, November l'dth. The Soldiers that are in encampment 
are so much expos'd to the weather, that their women and children 
die off very fast: which has caus'd the General to'order the workmen 
that they work all this day upon the Barrack-. 

November 11///. Many among us were about promoting plays this 
winter, but it seems the Governor won't even admit of assemblies — ■ 
as upon application made to him for that purpose, he replied that it 
was no times to encourage any thing of the kind, more especially as 
many of the officers could not afford the expence, and said he had 
already had too many complaints of their not paying their debts. 

November 1 5th. This day we have had a general flurry, as all 
the troops have gone into barracks, both from the Ships and encamp- 
ment* — that it is hop'd the Cowes will once more have the priviledge 
of grazing upon the Common. Have been three times down to the 
vessel, and have not been able to find any of your gentry of the L8th 
— and this forenoon went to their barracks (being your Uncle Green's 
Distil bouse) but could find no Officer there but a Quarter Master. 

November VUh. The Barracks, though occupied, are by no means 
made convenient for want of materials, as no lumber of any kind is 
allow'd to be bro't either by land or water; every town having a 
committee to look out. And several vessells have been burnt at the 
Eastward, whose masters have had the temerity to contracl with 
the Barrack master for to supply 'em. One skipper, not long since, 
who had bro't 'em several load of wood, told them he believ'd he 
could pick up a load of boards for 'em at several different harbours. 



72 LETTERS OF JOHX ANDREWS. 

They accordingly agreed to give him a large price for as many a> he 
could procure. He finally got near a load, by keeping his intentions 
to himself; but coming up, he put into Portsmouth harbour, where 
they by accident discovered who his load was tor — whereupon a 
number seiz'd and drag'd him thro' all the gutters in town. J lis obsti- 
nacy indue". 1 them to threaten that they would drown him if he did 
not comply with their injunctions, and accordingly drag'd him down 
to the water's edge, when the fear of their putting their threat in ex- 
ecution extorted a confession from him, that he would agree to and 
sign any obligation that they should see fit to draw up. 

As to bricks, they were necessitated to buy au old house down at 
point Shirley — which by the expence of pulling down, cleaning, &ca., 
the bricks stood 'em in at the rate of two Guineas m. They protfer'd 
four dollars a m for all that the industrious poor have made on the 
Neck under the inspection of the Committee of ways and means, but 
was told that they dare not let 'em have them at any price, least they 
should offend their country brethren — for want of which, the chim- 
neys in the barracks are so ill-secur'd, that the Barrack Master says 
that he shan't he surpris'dif fire breaks out in 'em very often. So that, 
in addition to other calamities, we are likely to be expos'd to the 
dreadful one of Jire — whereby not only our property but lives will 
be cndanger'd. 

November 17th. The town have finally chose a Committee to settle 
some plau for the preservation of peace among us, wdio have had 
several conferences with the Governor upon the subject, whereby they 
have adopted a measure perfectly pleasing to him and agreeable to 
themselves, though the publick are not as yet made acquainted with 
it. One consequence already resulting from it is, that none of the 
Soldiers, save those on duty, appear in the streets with side arms. 

-NovenilNT is//-. This day saw Lieutenant Blackwood, who has 
accepted the draft, and promises me he will pay it at the end of 
30 days. I likewise saw Captain Shee, who Avas upon duty at the 
main guard. The man is either paralytic or was in great trepidation 
at sight of the draft, as he not only trembled but stutter' d prodigiously. 
Not having pen and ink handy, he told me if I would suspend the 
demand a few days he would pay it without any previous sight, though 
he seem'd to make very strange of it, and pretended not to know 
Griffin, and then >ai<l he had left orders with Mr. Shee or Duchey 
to pay it there. 

Xocentber \ { dth. General Gage's conduct has been so very unex- 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 73 

ceptionable of late, that the most flaming Sons among us can't bul 
speak well of him — for let the Selectmen or any respectable inhab- 
itant of town wait upon him at any hour, though he may lie ever 
so busy or engag'd iu company, he is always ready to attend to 
them as long as they please, and that with the utmost chearfulnesSi 
But the poor refugee councellors are oblig'd to walk the entry for hours 
before they can be admitted to audience — that I really believe lie 
despises them from his heart. 

November 2Qih. Doctor Cooper gave us a funeral sermon this 
afternoon on the death of Thomas Gray, in the latter part of which, 
in relating his behaviour and sayings before his exit, he drew tears 
from most of his audience. As Mr. Gray's conduct through lite was 
unexceptionable (save in his zeal for the preservation, or good of 
the town, he was led to express himself rather too bitterly) so his 
death is greatly lamented, as a publick loss, for, take him all in all, 
he has left few equals behind him. He has died possess'd of about 
ten thousand pounds sterling, two thousand three hundred of which 
he has left by will to your Aunt deny Green, aud after her decease 
to devolve to her children: his real estate, to the value of two or 
three thousand, to his brother Bill Gray: live hundred sterling each 
to his half brothers the treasurer aud Colonel .lack-on : the like sum to 
be divided between his half sister Blake's children who are much 
in want of it : as well as the like sum to Benjamin Gray, only sur- 
viving son to his brother Edward: a thousand sterling to Ellis Gray 
and a thousand lawful money to Edward, with live hundred sterling 
to their sister Mrs. Cary, as also a hundred sterling to their mother, 
with a legacy of fifty pounds sterling to Doctor Cooper and the like 
sum to the poor of the Church. I forgot to mention the like sum 
of fifty pounds to his brother John, as a token of affection rather 
than an emolument to him, as he conceiv'd him to be so wealth} as 
not to stand in need of a larger bequeath. His brother Bill and 
young Ellis are left executors, who together with Ned are appointed 
residuary legatees. 

November 21s*. The action of the Portsmouth pleasure boat or 
Gondalo, so long depending before the Admiralty Court, was iinally 
determin'd last week in favor of the claimant — when the judge 
declar'd that they had no right by virtue of the port Bill to stop or 
molest any boats carrying merchandize. &ca., within the limits of 
the harbour. Thus you may see how long we have been gull'd. 

November 22nd. The spirited behaviour of the Eastward people in 

10 



74 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREW-. 

not Buffering the contractors to supply the Barrack Master with wood, 
whereby (by its being indulg'd to enter the harbour without -tup- 
ping ;it Marblehead or Salem) it came much cheaper to-them than 
whai the poor of the town could be supplied at — has al lasl in- 
due'd our Lords and Masters to permit all vessells bringing wood to 
come up to town without previously unlading al either of the above 
places. 

November 23rd. I waited upon Captain Hammilton* with your 
compliments and presented your Note for payment, lie made answer 
that lie should write .Mr. Griffin by the post, and ask'd me if 1 was 
going to write you likewise: it' I was, he would write you also. I 
told him I intended it. the first private opportunity that offer'd, when 
I would let him know. Upon the whole, he don't seem to have any 
intention of paying the Note. 

November 24dh. The article of Sand being very scarce by its not 
being suffer'd to lie brought up as usual, whereby the women are very 
dissatisfied, as they have to give \ lawful money a bushel lor that 
that's very bad and dirty. 

November 25th. Some few days since they withdrew the Guards 
from Charlestown ferry, as their frequent desertion from their post 
has discourag'd the continuance of them. 

November 'l^th. Since the troops have been in barracks, there has 
been several children, as well as men. broke out with the small pox 
among 'em, who are all remov'd to the lY-t house at New Boston. 

November '27///. The poor Mandamus Councellors are in a misera- 
ble plight, as they are even afraid of the men whom they esteem their 
protectors — for most of 'em belonging to the Country, have not had 
the small pox, and therefore, think it unsafe to admit a guard, as 
usual, to sleep in the house with them since that distemper has pre- 
vail'd among 'em. 

November 28th. This day being very pleasant, the respective regi- 
ments have march'd into the Common, to give their Men an airing, as 
well as to perform their Manoeuvres, of firing, cVca. 



* This was probably Robert Hamilton, afterwards Sheriff of Lanarkshire, a favorite 
friend of Sir Walter Scott's. In his Life, Lockhart pives a notice of him, saying that he 
hail served and been severely wounded in America, and that on his death-bed, in 1831, 
having requested Sir Walter to select some keepsake of him, his sword that he had 
worn at Hunker's Hill was chosen to adorn the armory at A.bbotsford. 

In the official report of the battle, Captain Hamilton of the Tenth was named 
among the wounded at Hunker's Hill. 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 75 

November 29<A. Yesterday the < Jeneral order'd a Sergent and drum 
from each Regimenl to parade every street in town and proclaim to 
the inhabitants that it' they trusted a Soldier more than a day's pay, 
their commanding officer would not pay it, and therefore they must 
do it at their own risque. 

November 30th. The desertions have been so great of late that 
the troops had orders last evening to call the roll every half hour till 
further orders. 

December 1st. Saw Mr. Prideaux, who acknowlcdg'd the Note 
and said he would pay it at some future time. 

December 2nd. The General, in order to remove every cause of 
complaint has this morning set a number of Soldiers to work upon the 
Common to till up the cellars and holes that were made by the troops 
when encamp'd there, as well as to level the hanks thing up by them. 

December 3rd. The arrival of a number of ships from England 
within this week past, who give an account of the parliament's heing 
dissolv'd in consequence of the Scarborough's arrival there with the 
intelligence of the Cambridge muster, &ca., has caus'd some disagree- 
able apprehensions to arise in the minds of the people, least the Minis- 
try should, by such a sudden manoeuvre, patch up a new parliament 
as equally subservient to their cursed schemes as the old one, and by 
that means play the devil with us in the Spring. 

December Uh. Sunday. This morning the Scarborough arriv'd 
with a double compliment of Marines (contrary to the opinion of 
many, who believed, as it had been reported, that she was gone to 
take her station at Ireland) who informs that three or four more 
capital Ships are coming out with the like number of Marines. What 
their designs are, other than to reinforce General Gage, I cant 
conceive, nor am I, for my own part, apprehensive in the least of 
worse consequences. 

December 5th. Last Fryday the provincial Congress, now sitting, 
deputed three of their number to wait up Secretary Fluker and de- 
maud a list of the Mandamus Councellors, with an account of those 
who refus'd taking the oath, as well as those who had resign'd, to- 
gether with the time of such respective refusals and resignations — 
who in reply told them that he did not know any mandamus councel- 
lors, but he knew a number of gentlemen who were appointed by his 
majesty as councellors of this province, and therefore declin'd com- 
plying with their demand. I suppose the intention of the Congress 
is to return their thanks to those who had refus'd or resign'd, and 



T6 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

i • -' insure, ii] .« >n record, the conduct of those who have had the temer- 
ity to continue in office. A- tin- Congress keep all their transac- 
tions a profound secret, am indebted to your uncle Joe for the above 
intelligence. 

December Stk. Saw Captain Shoe again this morning, who shew 
me a letter from Bertie Shee of your city, acquainting him that he 
had paid all the debts left in the Memorandum, among which was 

Griffin's, ami at the same time requesting Captain Shee to send him 
a draft for £200 on Messrs. Miffiins, to reimburse him for what he 
had advane'd. 

December ~tli. The town met this day and made choice of sixty 
one, principally young fellows to see that the association of the Con- 
gress is pul in execution. 

I), • ember 8th. Wrote you by the post, and return'd Captain Shee's 
draft for £6, your currency, which he declines paying.* 



* The following letter sent by post, referred to in the text: — 

" Boston, 8th December, 1774. 

"DeaiiWill, — Have been a long while waiting tor a private opportunity to write 
you, and as none has offer'd, am necessitated to put you to the expence of postage. Its 
about ten days since I waited upon Captain Hamilton and presented his note for pay- 
ment with your compliments. He reply M that he must write Mr. Griffin about it and 
did not say whether he would pay it or not. 

•• Miuiit three weeks since I presented the draft to Captain Shee, who stammer'd 
much about it, and told me he had left orders with Bertie Shee of your city to pay it; 
therefore desir'd of me to suspend the matter till he heard from him. Last Tuesday I 
waited upon him again, when he shew me a letter from that Gt nth man, wherein he 
advis'd him of having paid all y; debts of which he left a mem., and ( 'aptain Shee said 
Mr. Gritlin's was among 'em, and therefore advis'd me to send it back again, which I 
now inclose you, and as you neglected to make an indorsement upon it, am oblig'd to 
return it without a regular protest. 

" Mr. Blackwood has accepted the draft on him, and by his conduct believe he intends 
to pay it. Have seen Mr. l'rideaux, who likewise tells me that he will pay his note. 
Must depend altogether upon their Honor, as the times are such that they cannot be 
be compell'd, and in haste, Yours etc'a. 

" Jmo. Animu w >. 

" P. S. You may think it odd for me to have mentioned as I have respecting those 
demands on the Officers, without previously acknowledging the receipt of them — but 
that, you must know, is done in the Budget, which I dont much expect to have a private 
opportunity to send you till the Spring. There's nothing in particular new among us 
at present, save that the transports are fitting out with the greatest expedition, though 
their destination is not known. It has been rumour'd for some days past that more or 
less of the troops arc going to leave us, but [what] foundation there is for the report I 
cant learn. The arrival of a number of men of war causes much speculation here, as 
we cant conceive of the expediency of sending out such large ships. Some conjecture 
that they are going to block up all the harbours in this province, and others that the 
principal ports on the Continent will [be] subjected [to] that inconvenience." 

Address: "Mr. William Uarrell, Merchant, Philadelphia, p. post." Postmarked, 
" Boston, Dec. 6. Postage 1 I 10." 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 77 

December 9tk. We have an account this day of a vessell having 
arriv'd at Salem in a short passage from Falmouth, but canl learn 
whether she has brought anything new or aot. Last evening Deacon 
Storer's wife took a final farewell of this transitory life. 

December Wtk. We have had a continued succession of fowl 
weather since this day week, and last night it blew very hard. It is 
imagin'd that one of the Seventy four Gun Ships is run ashore, as 
they have heard the report of a continued quick succession of very 
heavy mettle since midnight. The Admiral has sent a schooner down 
this morning. 

December llth. The Ship in distress on fryday night turns out 
to be the Glasgow of twenty guns from Halifax, who has lost her 
keel and rudder with some of her men. Yesterday a Sergent went 
off with about £40 sterling, which was intrusted to him to pay off the 
Soldiers. He got away by the assistance of a chaise, which carried 
him beyond the Guards. 

Decemhrr I2tk. Yesterday r.M. the Royal Irish remov'd from 
their quarters in your uncle Green's distilhouse, to go on board the 
transports, as the smell of the lees in the cisterns added to their 
urine, has caus'd an infectious distemper among 'cm, whereby two 
or three have dropt down dead of a day. The same mortallity has 
prevail'd, though in a less degree, in some of the other distillhouses. 
I dont [know?] any that have got half so good barracks as those oppo- 
site our house, though you must be sensible, Bill, that they are not 
very agreeable neighbours. 

December 13th. This morning the Welch fusileers, together with 
a detachment from another regiment, form'd a body of 400 men, and 
equip'd with knapsacks &ca,, march out of town as far a- the punch 
bowl in Brooklyne, when they return'd again. What this manoeuvre 
can be for, I cant imagine, other than to give the men an airing, or 
with a view to make frequent feints of the kind in order to familiarize 
the people to it, whereby in future they may make an irruption into the 
country without creating any suspicion of their design, or possibly to 
make the Soldiers acquainted with the different roads near the town. 

December 14///. Another Regiment's performing the same manceu- 
vre this day, and taking a different road, looks a little like as though 
my suspicions are well founded. 

December loth. This day was celebrated our annual Thanksgiving, 
recommended by the provincial Congress. Last evening my sister 
Breek was deliver'd of a fine boy, and what's remarkable, she was 
deliver'd of a daughter the last thanksgiving eve. 



78 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

December 1 • ',//,. Yesterday died of a throat-distemper, which is 
very prevalent in the army at this time, Captain Maturene, the 
Governor's private Secretary, and however obnoxious the day might 
be to the government party, he did not fail Bending Supplicatory Notes 
to all the congregations in town yesterday. 

December 17///. The Distilhouses continue to prove so very fatal 
to the Soldiers, that the Surgeons have one and all drew up a protest 
againsl the Soldiers remaining there. Where they will find quarters 
for 'cm otherways, I cant conceive, as there's scarce a m >>\' Lumber 
in town, ami the inhabitants even find it difficult to procure it fur a 
ground iiuinn nt fur their deceased friend-. 

December 18*A. The Somerset of 74 guns arriv'd this forenoon, 
being the last of the squadron that came out with the Scarborough. 

December 1 '.»///. Am this day favor'd with your letter of the 5 De- 
cember, handed me by .Mr. Williams, with a mem", for books, which 
I .-hall endeavor to procure as soon as I get an opportunity, as my 
apprentice i< now conlin'd at our house and very ill with a putrid 
\'c\vv. that we are in great trouble, being apprehensive that we shall 
all lie attack'd with it — if so, God's will be clone — The Doctor 
ha- pronoune'd him very dangerous — and people in general are so 
very much affraid of the distemper, that we have been trying in vain 
to procure a nurse for him. and as his parents live in the country we 
are in a pitiable situation. 

December 20th. Mr. Blackwood call'd and paid the bill on him 
this day. being £15/19 Lawful money. 

December 21st. Two or three Regiments continue to go out of 
town every day. sometimes to Cambridge, and at other times towards 
Dedham. This day being excessive cold, a Granadier of the 59th 
fell down lifeless, and was sent to town in [a] countryman's cart. 

December 22nd. The affair at Portsmouth, of their having dis- 
mantled Newcastle fort, has caus'd the General to send the Scar- 
borough there to keep 'em in order. 

December 23rd. Am told the Extra number of Marines that came 
in the last ships of war refuse to come on shore, as they say they did 
not enlist for Land Service. Suppose the hard duty the Soldiers are 
put to here ha- induced 'em to take this resolution. 

December 24dh. This morning the poor fellow, who was taken on 
the Neck last Saturday night, attempting to desert, was shot. There 
were many intercessions made to the General, for his reprieve, by the 
Officers, but these going off so very fast, and he being the first taken 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 79 

since the troops were all arriVd, he would not regard their prayer, as 
he was determin'd to make an example of him. It was debated in a 
council of officers, but over rul'd, that he should be hung in chains 
upon tlic gallows in terrorem. 

December 25th. The Packet lias broughl credentials thai dub Wil- 
liam Pepperell a Night, for his steady adherence to the Government 
side in not resigning his Councellorship — a bauble he has been seeking 
after a long time, and could not procure it when at home, because uol 
worth an estate of three thousand a year — the most he could presume 
upon being seven hundred. But it seems that will come vastly short 
now, as they have, in great part, put the threat-, in the inclos'd scrap 
of News paper, in execution; and would have done the whole bul 
the leases are not all expir'd as yet. 

December 26th. Am not at all surpris'd that provisions arc so very 
deal- amongs, considering the great number of additional mouths there 
is to feed. Am told that the contractors for the Navy alone, engage 
for a Tun weight of Mutton every day. 

December 28th. Last Evening a soldier, who [was] plac'd centinel 
on the Long wharfe, in assisting to get a drunken sailor out of tin- 
Dock, unfortunately got in himself, and the sailor not being abb' to 
afford him any assistance, he was finally drown'd and his body taken up 
this morning. 

December oOth. The Marines, consisting of about five hundred men, 
landed this forenoon and have gone into barracks at the extreme part 
of the North End, by much the fittest place for them, as I am told they 
are ten times more dissolute (if possible) than the marching regiments 
— partaking of the extreem ill qualities of a soldier as well as that of 
a man-of-war's-man. 

December 31st. The Soldiers are much discontented upon account 
of the man who was shot for desertion, as they say if the General bad 
a right to send his body to the grave, he bad no right to send his soul 
to the Devil, for he had his death warrant but eleven hours before he 
was executed. 

January the ist, 1775. With wishing you a happy new year. Bill, I 
must add my wishes that we may have a less troublesome year than 
the last, and that Great Britain may see her error in distressing the 
Colonies, and restore to them their just rights and liberties: that we 
may once more see that harmony prevail which formerly us'd to subsist 
between them. 

January 2nd. This afternoon, an Officer of the 10th Regiment, one 



80 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

Dulap an ensign, being warm or rather frantic with liquor, stop'd a 
man. who drives a waggon between Salem and here, in anion street, and 
order'd him to turn oul of the way for him to walk on. The waggoner 
refus'd; he made no more words bul struck across the fare with a hick- 
ory stick, upon which the waggoner clos'd in upon him, took hi< stick 
from him, ami beat him pretty decently. Before the affray was over, 
upwards of fifty soldiers had collected upon the place — some smiling 
with inward satisfaction (especially those of his own regiment) and 
others pretending to assist him. 

January 4th. The Discontenl of the Soldiers has become so general 
that they have doubled all the guards and made one or two regiments 
lay under arms, as well as that they have fix'd a field piece in the 
Centre of the town to he fir'd in ease of a mutiny, whereby all those 
that arc not concern'd in it are to appear under arms. 

January 6th. This morning we had quite a novel sight. Tin' Sail- 
ors belonging to the Transports consisting of about 30 or 10 dress'd in 
white shirts ornamented with various color'd ribbons dispos'd crosswayS 
on their bodies with knots and garlands, paraded each side of a long 
rope dragging a plow, accompanied with one compleatly tar'd and feath- 
er'd, representing a he Devil, together with a She Devil, and an at- 
tendant, each furnish'd with a hag to collect money, stopping every 
person of genteel appearance to request a remembrance of Old Eng- 
land, wishing 'em a merry Christmas. The former look'd as com- 
pleatly like the devil as the most fertile invention could form an idea 
of or picture. The General gave them two half does, and it is >up- 
pos'd that they collected at least foiiy guineas. The design of it was 
to celebrate the twelfth night, or tiie breaking up of Christmas. 

January ~th. The uneasiness of the tenth regimenl has caus'd a 
general report, for several day- past, that they had mutinied and were 
disarm'd in consequence of it. This much is very certain, that they 
have losl a number of their men by sickness, and near forty of the 
regiment in particular are down with inflammatory fever, caus'd by 
the hard duty on the Xeck several very stormy day-. Am told they 
one and all. i. e. of the privates, came into some agreement- among 
themselves, which they would not divulge to their officers, and were 
depriv'd of the use of their arms, when oil' duty. 

January 9th. For this fortnight past, scarce a day passes without 
three or four soldier.-' funerals: a spot of ground at the bottom of the 
common being allotted for them, which they have improv'd lor upwards 
of a hundred already. 



LETTERS OP JOHN ANDREWS. 3 I 

January \0/h. Its about ten mouths since Ruthy began to cut a 
coal of arms, on vellum, for yom- uncle Joe; which hurt her eyes to 
such a degree as thai she was oblig'd to lay it by. This fall she reas- 
sum'd it again, and compleated it a few days since. It- about eight 
inches square, with his and his wife's arm quarter'd, supported at the 
lower corners by Jupiter and Minerva inimitably executed, and to- 
gether with the embellishments of her fruitful fancy, forms the mosl ex- 
traordinary piece of workmanship of the kind, that I believe was ever 
perform'd. It was sent home yesterday, and this morning the follow- 
ing poetical note was sent Ruthy by your uncle (accompanied with a 
neat silver salver about 8 inches diameter) address'd to GarteriUa, 
principal Queen at Anns. 

(cuter, Clarencieux, and Norroy 
May boast a tawdry painted toy; 
Pleas'd to adjust, by Herald's rules 
Their Argent, Azure, Or, and Gules. 
Judicious eyes take more delight 
To view ifiir simple black and white. 

Then as a favor let me ask 
You"d undertake another task; 
Since in my Arms such art you've shown, 
Pray on this Plate engrave your own. 

which I think show an ingenuity and a delicacy peculiar only to 

him. 

January 11th. This morning the soldiers in the barrack opposite 
our house, left it, and took quarters with the royal Irish in Gould's 
auction room or store — in the street leading to Charlestown ferry. 

January 13th. By a court martial which continued two days this 
week on board the Sommerset, Captain Maltby of the Glasgow was 
broke, being convicted of embezlement. He not long since bro't the 
Gunner of his Ship to tryal for some small misdemeanor, ami mulcted 
him a year's pay. The latter made reprisals on him by the above 

accusation. 

January 15th. A few days since an Officer carried a manuscripl to 
Henry Knox for him to publish ; being an answer, as he -aid. to < Gene- 
ral Lee's pamphlet (which you sent me). He told him he did not 
mean to confute every part, as the principal of it was unanswerable. 
Knox perus'd a few pages of it and found it to he rather a weak per- 
formance, and therefore declin'd undertaking the publishment — excus- 
ing himself as its being out of his way. 

January l§th. Am not much surpriz'd at the dearness of provisions 

11 



82 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

an g us when I consider what an additional number of inhabitants we 

have got, together with the quantities that arc barrell'd up in every 
town in the country to serve as a supply for any future exigencies — 
no town having less than a hundred barrels and some a thousand; that 
partridges are sold in our markel for half a dollar a pair which ua'd 
formerly to be bought for eight pence, and eggs at the reasonable price 
of l 6 law ful money per dozen. 

January IBth. Either yesterday or Monday, Justice [ "| fin'd a 

pom- oysterman five pounds sterling, together with 5/ for his writ, for 
buying or rather letting a Soldier have a few cuppers upon a pair of 
drawers which the Soldier was to have redeemed again — this being 
the third instance of the kind that has been transacted ; advantages 
taken of the ignorant country people by necessitous Justices, that would 
not stick at any thing to put such a fine in their own pockets. Have 
eras'd out his name as 1 would not have it mention'd.* 

January 19th. Yesterday was celebrated the Queen's birth day by 
the Army, and in the afternoon a large Company of Officers assembled 
at the Coffee house, with a band of Musick in the balcony, and the King's 
nirn Grenadiers upon the opposite side of the street ; when upon ev'ry 
toasl they gave three chears, after which, one of their number came out 
to the balcony and announced it to the Commander of the Granadiers, 
who thereupon order'd a volley to be fir'd, when the Musick struck up 
and after that succeeded the drums. This they continued till near 
nine o'clock. — Among their toasts was the 16th April, '46 — a similar 
chastisement to all Rebels — Confusion to the American Army — 
Lord North — with a number of such exasperating toasts — which the 
populace, that were gather'd upon the occasion, took no notice of, save 
the last, when the\ gave a general hiss and exclaim'd (Ininit him, upon 
which the announcer of the toasl cry'd Mess him, which was retorted 
upon him by frequent curses and execrations, that the Grenadiers were 
order'd to clear the street with their bayonets, which did not do other 
than to push the length of* their muskets. 

January <blst. Last evening a number of drunken Officers attacked 
the town house watch between eleven and 12 o'clock, when the assist- 
ance of the New Boston watch was call'd, and a general battle ensued ; 
some wounded on both sides. A party from the main guard was 
brought up with their Captain together with another parly from the 



* The mime of this justice, though partially erased, is still legible in the original 

manuscript. 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 83 

Governor's. Had it not been for the prudence of two Officers that 
were sober, the Captain of the Main Guard would have acted a 
second Tragedy to the 5th March, as he was much disguis'd with 
Liquor and would have order'd the guard to fire on the watch had he 
nol been restrain'd. His name is Gore, being a Captain in the 5th 
or Earl Peircy's regiment. He was degraded not long since for some 
misdemeanour. 

This afternoon there was a general squabble between the Butchers 
in the market and a number of Soldiers. It first began by a Soldier's 
tripping up the heals of a fisherman who was walking through the 
market with a piece of beef in his hands. A guard from the 47th 
Barracks appear'd and carried off the Soldiers, together with one 
butcher who was most active, the Officer taking him by the Collar. /A 
■was able to have crush'd the officer, hut was ad\ is'd t<> lie quiet. Young 
Ned Gray insisted on it that he should not he carried into the guard 
house, upon which many hard words pass'd between him and the Cap- 
tain of the Guard. However Gray prevail'd, and they carried the man 
into Miss Foster's store close by the barracks, from whence the Officer 
dismiss'd him after finding upon deliberation that his conduct was not 
justifiable — and seem'd to he much afraid least the Butcher should 
take advantage of him by Law or complaint. 

Sunday, January 22nd. The Officers' animosity to the watch -till 
rankling in their breast, induc'd two of them to go last night to the 
watch house again at about 10 o'clock and threaten the watch that they 
would bring a tile of men and blow all their brains out. The watch 
thereupon left their cell and shut it up. and went and enter'd a com- 
plaint to the Selectmen — some of whom waited on the Governor at 
about 12 o'clock, who was very much vex'd at the Officers' conduct, and 
told the Gentlemen that he had got the names of three that were con- 
cern'd in Fryday night's frolick, and was determin'd to treat them 
with the utmost severity — and likewise order'd a guard to pat role 
through every street in town and bring every officer to him that they 
should find strolling or walking. 

January 23rd. A Court of enquiry is to take place this day. when 
its suppos'd that the Captain of the Guard at /east will he broke, for 
being drunk when on duty. 

January 21///. In consequence of an application from a number of 
the inhabitants of Marshfield (who are under the influence of Hay 
Thomas, one of the Mandamus Councellors, ami the Win-low family. 
who are likewise remarkable high toriesj a number of men, drafti I 



3 I LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

from several of the Regiments, to the amount of 100. emhark'd on 
board an arm'd schooner last evening t<> go there for their protection — 
they pretending thai the neighbouring town- had threatned to molest 

'em — bul cant learn that they had any Midi intention--. Hope tin- 
people will lie discreel and prudent enough not to meddle with the Sol- 
dier-. 

January 2">//,. Yesterday the Officers were all examin'd at the 
New Court bouse, respecting fryday night's affair, being carried there 
under arrest, nine in number (alter which the General is to deal with 
them) : being a greal number of evidences they were oblig'd to adjourn 
till [to] day. 

January I'd///. The very great expenses of the army and navy has 
put the Commanders SO much to their trumps, tor want of Cash, that 
they have been oblig'd to borrow upwards of fifteen thousand sterling 
in specie of old Captain Erving, and near as much more of Borland. 

January -27///. Its shocking to conceive to what degree the Soldiers 
are punish'd. Its imagin'd half their deaths arise from it, as it often 
happens that their ribs are laid quite bare, whereby their kidneys are 
so affected that they become incurable. A Drummer in the tenth 
Regiment, more humane than the rest, refus'd one day this week to 
take his turn with the whip, and when it was handed him, flung it on 
the ground, saying that he inlisted to serve his Majesty as a Drummer, 
in which calling he would venture to say that he was a- capable and 
did his duty as faithfully as any in the Regiment, hut he never enter'd 
the service to become a whipper or hangman, and therefore, let the 
consequence he what it would, was determin'd not to do it. The adju- 
tant order'd him immediately under guard. The next day he was 
tried by a court martial and honorably acquitted. 

January -2*th. Our joy. in getting rid of the soldiers from the 
house directly opposite us, is shortliv'd, as they are now preparing it 
for the reception of the sick from the Welch fusileers — who have SO 
many down with fevers and what not that they have not room to stow 
'em in the house which they have alwaise improv'd as a hospital, so 
that we are like to he in a line situation. As to moving, its impossible, 
as there's not a room scarcely in the town ten feet square unimproved. 
We have thought of selling our furniture and going out to board, as 
we dont see any other method we can take to avoid being continually 
expos'd to infection. Have been to the barrack master about it. who 
tells me he ha- expostulated against it. hut to no purpose, his office 
being near by it —hut they can get no other place, and the general's 
orders are positive to lit it up immediately. 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

Sunday, January '2 [ Ml>. You may possibly have seen in t!i<' papers 
some curious resolves of the town of Barnstable, which were effected 
by one Hum,/, a magistrate there, who procur'd one of the pamphlets 
written by Doctor Cooper of New York, which he read to the inhabit- 
ants and told them that Doctor Cooper of this town wrote it, and 
perswaded 'em likewise that all the Son- of Liberty here wen- falling 
off in the same manner. As soon as he had obtain'd the resolves, he 
hasted up to town with them, and carried immediately to the pr< 
since which he, has tarried here with other refugees. Last week, the 
town of Barnstable, convine'd of their error, had a meeting and pass'd 
a number of resolves entirely abrogating all of the other that were in 
the least derogatory to the cause of freedom; ami execrate the author 
of their deception. 

Treasurer Gray has attempted in a pamphlet to ridicule the transac- 
tions of the Congress — quite a weak, puerile performance — much of 
the same stile with one wrote in answer to General Lee's by one Bar- 
rey, an officer in the 52nd Regiment, whose performance i< pretty 
much like himself, being an awkward sappy looking chap, the more SO 
I- think than any officer I have seen among all that's here.* Am 
doubtfull whether I can prevail on Martin Brimmer to take any thing- 
more than this letter (else I would send 'em you together with what 
others I have procur'd) as he intends going a- tar a- South Carolina, 
and of consequence will be encumber'd with linnen and other necessa- 
ries. The Dramatic piece in the Newspaper, am told is written by a 
woman — the characters are exceedingly well delineated, and I think 
the stile is masterly. 

1 believe, Bill, I must leave off journalizing, as its the season of the 
year in which I am employ'd in settling my accounts, as well as that 
the sleding bring us some up country business, which, together with the 
shortness of the days, scarcely allows me leisure enough for the per- 
formance. Therefore you musl not lie disappointed if you dont hear 
any thing more from me in this Stile. Shall notwithstanding embrace 
every opportunity that oilers to write you. though in more general 
terms. Shall close this by giving you a small anecdote, relating to 
some of our school lads — who as formerly in this season improv'd the 
(oast from Sherhurn's hill down to School street. General llaldiman, 

* Captain Barry, of the Fifty-second Regiment, was, on the 24th Decemb. 
appointed Deputy Adjutant-General under General Leslie, by Lord Cornwallis. While 
in South Carolina, he was the author of another political paper, designed to be satiri- 
cal, which is printed in Johnson's " Traditions of the American Revolution," p. ^~~- 



86 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREW*. 

improving the house thai belongs to old Conk, his servant took it upon 
him to cut up their coast and t II 1 1 <_r ashea upon it. The Lads made ;i 
muster, and chose a committee t<> wait upon the General, who admitted 
them, and heard their complaint, which was couch'd in very genteel 
terms, complaining that their fathers before 'em had improv'd it as a 
coast lor time immemorial, &ca. He order'd liis servant to repair the 
damage, and acquainted the Governor with the affair, who observ'd 
that it was impossible to beat the notion of Liberty out of the people, 
as it was rooted in 'em. from their Childhood. 

March 18th. Your favor of the 27th ultimo by Mr. Phillips was 
handed me yesterday, and being St. Patrick's day I conld not see 
Captain Hamilton till this day, who told me that he did not acquaint 
Mr. Griffin that lie should have to draw upon his father soon, as be is 
so unhappy as not to have a father, and further made many excuses, 
that cash was scarce, and there was no getting his pay without a con- 
siderable loss, and it was impossible for him to pay any part at 
present, hut it was likely he should be able to pay the whole in the 
course of the Spring — that the note was for money he lost at play a 
few evening- before he came away, though he did not mean hut that it 
was as justly due and that he esteemed it the same as though he'd had 
the cadi from Mr. Griffin; but said that Griffin [promised] him that 
the note should not go out of his hands, and only requested it of him 
as a mem. 

Have repeatedly sent to Mr. Prideaux, wdio as often as lie is seen 
either makes promi>es or excuses. Shall endeavor to follow him close, 
but hope ere long they will hoth be with you again. 

As printed extracts of Letters that came by the packet to New 
York was brought us last night from Providence, giving us great hopes 
to expect a full completion of our wishes in regard to publick affairs, 
they were reprinted here and out early this morning. The tories 
say they were made by S. Adams last night. Others, that they are the 
same letters that were received in the Stamp Act time — and others 
say, if they are genuine, merchants' letters are not worth regarding — 
but unhappy for them, the whole is confirm'd by the post just arriv'd. 

An express came to the governor with letters by the packet on 
Wensday evening, but nothing transpired but to a few of his refugee 
councellor's, who have been observ'd ever since to be much crest-fallen. 
Old B — le, was heard to exclaim yesterday — " We shall lose the day. 
Good God! what will become of us ? " — A certain Reverend Doctor 
of the Established Church in this town has lately said that he would 



LETTERS OP JOHN ANDREWS. 87 

rather wade up to his knees in blood, than that the Ministry should 
give wa}\ Thursday was observ'd here as a general fast An officer, 
with men from the 1th Regiment in Barracks at West Boston, erected 
a couple of tents just at the back of Howard's meeting and conducted a 
parcel! of fifes and drums there, which play'd and beat Yanky Doodle 
the whole forenoon service time, to the great interruption of the con- 
gregation. They intended to repeat the same in the afternoon, but 
were prevented by orders from the General. The officers in general 
behave more like a parcell of children, of late, than men. Captain 

[ ] * of the Royal Irish first expos'd himself by behaving in a 

very scandalous manner at the South meeting, while Doctor Warren 
was delivering the oration in commemoration of the Massacre. lie got 
pretty decently frighted for it. A woman, among the rest, attack'd him 
and threatened to wring his nose. Last Wensday, the day tin- oration 
was publish'd, a vast number of Officers assembled in King -licet, 
when they proceeded to the choice of a moderator and seven out of 
their number to represent the select men, the latter of whom with the 
moderator went into the Coffee house balcony, where was provided a 
fellow apparrell'd in a black gown with a rusty grey wigg ami fox 
tail hanging to it, together with bands on — who deliver'd an oration 
from the balcony to a crowd of few else beside gaping officers. It con- 
tain'd the most scurrilous abuse upon the characters of tin- principal 
patriots here, wholly made up of the mosl vile, profane, blackguard 
language as ever was express'd. They intend acting the same farce 
over again on farce day, or rather to deliver a sermon from the same 
place, but the General, knowing more than we did at that time, pru- 
dent Is- forbid it. The affair of Colonel Nesbitt of the 47th having 
tarr'd and feather'd a countryman, and Colonel Leslie's expedition t>> 
Salem, do them equal honor, and I dare say will become subjects of the 
keenest satire. A Committee from the country in behalf of the coun- 
tryman above, waited on the General on fast day. who was greatly 
disgusted with their remonstrance (being a very spirited one) but 
finally dismiss'd them with every assurance of protection from danger, 
and that [in] quite a pleasant manner: also assur'd them that he 
would undertake that the man should have full satisfaction. Had 1 
time and room, the subject would afford large comments. The same 
day I overheard a number say that they were going to have a congress, 



* This name is also legible in the original manuscript, though erased by the pen 

of the author. 



bb LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

consisting of a deputation of three officers from each regiment, 
bul I imagine the late news will put a stop to their folly in this 
respect. 

Really, Bill, it- accessary n person should have eyes and no ears to 
be in the way of these chaps — for a person must [lie] more than a 
stoic to prevent his irracibility rising al the speeches they arc continu- 
ally making, more so of late than ever before — That they may return 
the same harmless tools they came. i> the wi-h of your affectionate 
brother. 

[1'. S.] Monday morning. Its by Captain Hamilton's particular 
desire thai 1 write you. He intends writing you himself also. Its my 
opinion, that it' we had not had some News, as a check upon the army, 
it would have been impossible to have bore with their insults, as they 
increas'd every day. stimulated thereto by the damn'd refugees, who 
have one and all. directly or indirectly, dcclar'd their sentiments as the 
Reverend Doctor above. Our provincial congress is to meet next 
month at Concord, when, I am told, there is to he an army of observa- 
tion incamp'd, consisting of twenty thousand men. Am also inform'd 
that the congress have expended near a million in" our Old tenor for 
amunition and provisions. This I know, that they have had upwards 
of fifty ton of shot, shell, &ca., cast, besides an innumerable number of 
Musket halls. Have seen twenty load cover'd with dung to go out of 
town myself, hut lately all carts have been search'd by the Guards, and 
unluckily last Saturday evening a load of cartridges were seiz'd pack'd 
in candle boxes, consisting of 13500 besides 1 boxes balls. The coun- 
tryman struggled hard before he would deliver 'em, and received two 
or three bad wounds. The same evening eight or nine officers paraded 
the -iicct and abus'd every person they met. hut finally met with their 
matches and were all made to lay level with the ground — and yester- 
day four Sergeants and as many men were senl to insult John Hancock, 
under pretence of seeing if his stables would do fir barracks. He 
went directly to the General, who order'd a party there, hut they were 
gone. The General told him if be was any ways insulted again, to 
write a billet and send by a servant, and be would immediately redress 
him — hut it seems the officers and soldiers are a good deal disaffected 
towards the Governor, thinking, I suppose, that he is partial to the 
inhabitants, many of the latter have made no scruples to call him an 
Olil Woman. 

In regard to the season, Bill, am perswaded you could not have been 
more favor'd than we have been. The oldest man among us can't 



LETTERS OP JOHN ANDREWS. 89 

remember to have ever seen one equal to.it. Dont } r ou think I have 
improv'd my paper well? 

April \\th. About ten days since Captain Hamilton had the misfor- 
tune to fall from his horse, and broke two or three of his ribs, and 
otherways bruis'd himself in such a manner that it was tho'1 he could 
nol survive it, but am told he is likely to get well. 1 doubt whether I 
shall ever be able to get the money of him, more especially of Mr. 
Prideaux, who does not pay the least regard to his promises, though I 
follow him very close too. 

In regard to publick affairs, we are all in confusion at present, the 
streets and Neck Lin'd with waggons carrying off the effects of the in- 
habitants, who are either affraid, mad. crazy or infatuated — which term 
youplease, Bid — immagining to themselves thai they shall be liable to 
cvi-vy evil that can be enumerated, if they tarry in town. For my 
own part, am determin'd to stay at all events, though 1 look upon 
my outstanding debts in the country (which are very considerable) to 
be totally lost, as if the army moves into the country (which by all 
their maneauvries at present, there remains no dispute of) the country 
are determin'd to oppose 'em, at least if they proceed in a hostile man- 
ner; and to expect better times, very speedily, is wishing against hope. 

William Whitwell, who trades largely to your town, died lasl nighl ; 
upon receiving the last disagreeable news, his spirits fail'd him, and as 
his fortitude could not support him under the apprehension of seeing 
the misseries and calamities that are likely to befall his country ; he 
languish'd and died. 

The Commissioners have appointed an officer, under pretence of 
searching for contraband goods, who inspects every Cask that is carried 
out of the town by opening and boring, so that the waggons are detain'd 
sometime by him. 

Have sent you Doctor Mayhew's Sermons to young .Men. agreeable, 
to your desire in a former letter. I expected to have procur'd one more 
neatly bound, but could not. The olHcers' oration is in print among 
themselves, should have exerted myself to procure one for you, hut the 
scandalous freedoms taken in it, by printing or rather exposing the 
Domestic troubles of some very worthy characters among us, indue'd 
me not to send it, as with many, they are not known, and should you 
have it, you might possibly be indue'd to shew it to a friend or two 
who might thereby be acquainted with circumstances, though no ways 
lessoning to the merits of an unexceptionable character — yet may be 
disagreeable to the injur'd party to have the faults of tho^e expos'd 

12 



00 LITTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

with whom they are necessarily connected, more especially when 
dress'd up with so false a gloss. 

The second pari of the comic performance I sent you some time 
since. I now enclose yon, under the title of the Group, together with 
the paper thai is principally open to the tory party. My intention in 
procuring this for you is to shew the childish play of a Dumber <>t' offi- 
cers among u>, who have foolishly endeavor'd to ape men, who are as 
superior to them in abilities as they are degrading to their order, in 
acting such a despicable part as they do, which you may Bee by their 
resolutions. Their procession was from the coffee house to the Cock- 
loti in the town house, where they stew'd in one room, or rather hovel, 
scarce sufficient to contain them standing. Their silly parade consisted 
of a president with a borroto'd scarlet cloak and perriwig, with a wand 
in one hand and a book in the Other, follow'd by six others, alike ap- 
parell'd, who stil'd themselves (however improperly for a congress) the 
selectmen, together with about thirty others in their uniforms walking 
two and two — with much greater courage, I imagine, than they would 
face an enemy. 

Young Ned Hill who was in your city last fall is dead of the camp 
fever, being the fourth and last son the old gentleman has lost in 
the course of two years. His daughter together with a domestic in the 
house now lay at the point of death with the same disorder, which has 
been very prevalent among us, and carried off a great number of the 
inhabitants a- well as soldiers. 

Several young tradesmen have left town, to join the American 
Army, as they call it. and others of a higher sphere in life, am told, 
have sent up their names to the congress for commissions. I hear 
they have provided stores, ammunition, tent equipage and provissions 
for an army to consist of thirty thousand men. 

Rutliv has lately finish'd a landscape which she drew with a pen, 
that'- equal to any copper plate that I ever saw. In regard to design 
1 think it exceeds most every thing of the kind, but the attention she 
is oblig'd to pay to it, while in hand, is so great that it cant but be 
prejudicial to her health. It is so much admir'd, that it is sent for to 
all quarters to see. She has received the compliment of Earl Piercy 
upon the occasion, who express'd his very great admiration of it. 

April 19th. Yesterday produe'd a scene the most shocking New 
England ever beheld. Las1 Saturday p.m. orders were sent to the 
several regiments quartered here, not to let their Grenadiers or light 
Infantry do any duty till further orders, upon which the inhabitants 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 91 

conjectured that some secret expedition was on foot, and being on the 
look out, they observ'd those bodies upon the move between ten and 
eleven o'clock the Evening before last, observing a perfecl silence in 
their march towards a point opposite Phips's farm, where [boats?] 
in waiting that convey'd 'em over. The men appointed to alarm the 
country upon such occasions got over by stealth as early as they 
[could] and took their different routs. The first advice we had was 
about eight o'clock in the morning, when it was reported that the 
troops had fir'd upon and killed five men in Lexinton — previous to 
which an officer came express to his Excellency Governor • 
when between eight and nine o'clock a brigade march'd out under 
the command of Earl Piercy, consisting of the; Marines, the- Welch 
fusileers, the 4th Regiment, the 17th. and two field pieces. About 
twelve o'clock it was gave out by the General's Aide camps that no 
person was kill'd, and that a single gnu had not been fir'd, which report 
was variously beleiv'd — but between one and two certain ace. nut- 
came that eight were kill'd outright and fourteen wounded of the 
inhabitants of Lexinton — who had about forty men drawn out early 
in the morning near the meeting house to exercise. The party of the 
Light Infantry and Grenadiers, to the number of about eight hundred, 
came up to them and order'd them to disperse. The commander of 
'em reply'd that they were only innocently amusing themselves with 
exercise, that they had not any amunition with 'em. and therefore 
should not molest or disturb them, which answer not satisfying, the 
troops fir'd upon and kill'd three or four, the other took to their heels 
and the troops continued to lire. A few took refuge in the meeting, 
when the soldiers shov'd up the Windows and pointed their Gun- in 
and kill'd three there. Thus much is best account 1 can learn of the 
beginning of this fatal day. 

You must naturally suppose that such a piece would rouse the coun- 
try (allow'd the report to be true). The troops continued their march 
to Concord, enter'd the town, and refresh'd themselves in the meeting 
and town house. In the latter place they found some ammunition and 
stores belonging to the country, which they found they could not bring 
away by reason that the country people had occupied all the posts 
around 'em. They therefore set lire to the house, which the people 
extinguish'd. They set fire a second time, which brought on a general 
engagement at about eleven o'clock. The troops took two pieces [of] 
cannon from the peasants, but their numbers increasing they soon 
regaiu'd 'em, and the troops were oblig'd to retreat towards town. 



92 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

Aboul noon they werejoin'd by the other brigade under Earl Piercy, 
when another very warm engagemenl came on :it Lexinton, which the 
troops could nol stand ; therefore were oblig'd to continue their retreat, 
which they did with the bravery becoming british soldiers — bul the 
country were in a manner desperate, not regarding their cannon [any 
more] in the least, and follow'd 'em till Beven in the evening, by which 
time they got into Charlestown, when they left off the pursuit, leasl 
they mighl injure the inhabitants. I stood upon the hills in town and 
saw the engagemenl very plain. It was very bloody for seven hours. 
li- conjectur'd that one half the soldiers at leasl are kill'd. The last 
brigade was sent over the ferry in the evening to secure their retreat 
— where they are this morning entrenching themselves upon Bunker's 
hill [to] get a safe retreat to this town. Its impossible to learn any 
particulars, as the communication between town and country is at 
present broke off. They were till ten o'clock last night bringing over 
their wounded, several of which are since [dead], two officers in par- 
ticular. "When I reflect and consider that the fight was between those, 
whose parents but a few generations ago were brothers, I shudder at 
the thought, and there's no knowing where our calamities will end. 

April 'l[ili. Yesterday, though Sunday, we had town meetings all 
day. and finally concluded to deliver up all our Arms to the Selectmen, 
on condition that the Governor would open the avenues to the town, 
which is to be comply'd with tomorrow, when if I can escape with the 
skin of my teeth, shall be glad, as I don't expect to be able to take 
more than a change of apparel! with me, as Sam. and his wife with 
myself and Etuthy intend for Nova Scotia. 

And as I see no prospect of ever getting the money of Captain 
Hamilton or of Mr. Prideaux, have thought best, as this is the last 
sate conveyance, and as I don't know who intends staying here that I 
could leave 'em with, to enclose them to you by Mr. Breck, who sets 
out for your place with his family as soon as he is at liberty to leave 
this distress'd town. I don't doubt, Bill., but you will sympathize with 
us, as I can safely say, I never knew that my nature was capable of 
enduring such poignant distress as at present, more on your sister's 
account than my own, as if we are not gone soon I fear she will go 
distracted, lie it as it will, Bill., I expect to become a beggar ere 
long, as our own countrymen have not compassion, but persist in 
threatening the town with storming it, which pray God avert before I 
depart. 

May 5th. You'll observe by this that I'm yet in Boston, and here 



LETTEES OF JOHN ANDREW^. 93 

like to remain. Three of us charter'd a vessel a fortnighl since to 
convey us to Halifax, as Sam don't think yom- city safe by any means, 
but the absolute refusal of the Governor to suffer any merchandize to 
be carried out of the town, has determin'd me to stay and take care 
of my effects, together with the perswasion of Sam. and his wife and 
I'uthy — the latter being perfectly willing and desirous of going with- 
out me, as her peace of mind depends entirely upon her leaving the 
town: in consequence of which, have acquiesc'd, but am affraid it will 
be a long time before I shall see her again, it' ever. Near half the 
inhabitants have left the town already, and another quarter, at least, 
have been waiting for a week past, with earnest expectation of geting 
papers, which have been dealt out very sparingly of late, not above 
two or three procur'd of a day. and those with the greatest difficulty. 
Its a fortnight yesterday since the communication between the town 
and country was stop'd. Of consequence our eyes have not been 
bless'd with either vegetables or fresh provisions, how long we shall 
continue in this wretched state — God only knows — but that no more 
blood may be shed is the earnest wish and prayer of your affectionate 
friend. 

P. S. I expect to bid farewell to Sam. and his wife and Ruthy, 
tomorrow or Sunday, but I hope not an eternal farewell. You can 
have no conception, Bill., of the distresses the people in general are 
involv'd in. You'll see parents that are lucky enough to procure 
papers, with bundles in one hand and a string of children in the other. 
wandering out of the town (with only a sufferance of one day's permis- 
sion) not knowing whither they'll go. Such, Bill., are hut feint 
emblems of the distresses that seem to threaten us, which I hope the 
Almighty God, in his infinite wisdom, will avert. Your uncle Joe has 
engag'd a passage for London, at the expence of one hundred Guineas 
for himself and wife, to expedite her sailing without waiting for freight. 
Batch, brother Joe and his wife, Jno. Amory, cVca.. &ca., go in her. 
Your uncle and aunt are very desirous for us, hut my finances wont, at 
present, admit of it, as my whole interest, saving outstanding debts, is 
in town and cant be remov'd. If the lines should he attack'd, as some 
are apprehensive of, farewell to life and property. — You must know, 
that no person who leaves the town is allow'd to return again, and this 
morning an order from the Governor has put a stop to any more- 
papers at any rate, not even to admit those to go who have procur'd 
'em already. 

June 1st. Its possible Samuel may have wrote you from the coun- 



!M LETTERS OF JOHN AXTHIKWS. 

try, where he i- wandering T know net where, with liis wife and 
Ruthy, having quitted the vessel! at Marblehead upon hearing thai the 
3ame spirit prevail'd there as in the other colonies, together with find- 
ing it disagreable to the Congress that people should emigrate there, 
though previous to thai it was determin'd for his wife and Ruthy to 
leave her, as they had been three days beating in the bay and became 
so intolerable sick, that no perswasions could prevail on them to pro- 
ceed the voyage. Ruthy writes me in the utmost distress, and says 
her sister must inevitably have died. You must know thai we hir'd 
the vessel and were ready for sailing near a week before they went, 
hut alter we had had her in pay three week-, and lay'd out a hundred 
Dollars for accommodation, the Admiral bought her for Government 
use, but Stipulated that she should proceed to Halifax with our passen- 
gers, hut then we were oblig'd to wait his orders for sailing, he having 
appointed a commander and other officers to her with eight men, which 
were all to go with our Captain. Mate and hands, and we to victual 
lure, therefore you must think she was well man'd ; but having out- 
Stay'd a long -pell of fair winds, they'd no sooner sail'd hut head wind- 
came up and ohlig'd them to put into harbour as above, where they 
concluded to alter their plans, but was oblig'd to leave their provissions 
ami furniture on board; the admiral's commander being very willing to 
oblige them, by taking 'em out, if it had been in his power, but has 
finally carried them with him to Halifax, and what will become of 
them there, God only knows ! as a rumour prevails here that they 
have forc'd the troops from their posts there and destroy'd all the 
stores belonging to the King, in the dock yard, &ca. — that she being 
a Government vessell, will no doubt, meet with difficulty. — My honor 
oblig'd me to bear the same expences in voyage as though I had gone 
myself, therefore you must suppose much money to be dung away to 
no purpose, more especially if the furniture and provissious should he 
lost, having on hoard sufficient of every kind to go to housekeeping. 
By the last letter I received they seem inclin'd to go to Exeter, but not 
determin'd. I wish 'em well fix'd somewhere, to their satisfaction. 
When they are, I shall be much easier in my own mind, altho' amidst 
continual alarms and frequent battles. It cant but afford satisfaction 
to every well wisher to his country to find that providence smiles upon 
every of their undertakings. 

It' Breck and his wife are with you please to shew 'em this, and 
tender my love to them all. 

Your favor of the "2nd May p. Post, came to band but a few days 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 95 

since. You earnestly request my writing you by every Post, at which 
time you did not consider the embarrassments we are under in town,' 
and that a letter cannot pass without being liable to the inspection of 
both parties, unless by water. I wrote you by Breck, as well as by 
Mr. Prince, which letters I presume you have received, [f my brother 
can get a pass to go out, shall give him this to forward, it' possible, 
without inspection. Its hard to stay coop'd up here and teed upon .-alt 
provissions, more especially without one's wife, Bill, but at the same 
time would not wish to have her here under the present disagreable 
circumstances — though I find an absolute necessity to be here myself, 
as the soldiery think they have a license to plunder every one's house 
and Store who leaves the town, of which they have given convincing 
proofs already — And the wanton destruction of property at the late 
fire, makes the duty, in my mind, more incumbent on me. 

We have now and then a carcase offer'd for sale in the market, 
which formerly we would not have pick'dup in the street ; but bad as it 
i-, it readily sells for eight pence Lawful money per lb., and a quarter 
of lamb when it makes its appearance, which is rarely once a week, 
sells for a dollar, weighing only three or three and a half pounds. To 
such shifts has the necessity of the times drove us; wood not scarcely 
to be got at twenty two shillings a cord. Was it not for a triffle of 
salt provissions that we have, 'twould be impossible for us to live. 
Pork and beans one day, and beans and pork another, and fish when 
we can catch it. Am necessitated to submit to such living or risque 
the little all I have in the world, which consists in my stock of goods 
and furniture to the amount of between two and three thousand ster- 
ling, as its said without scruple that those who leave the town, forfeit 
all the effects they leave behind. AVhether they hold it up as only a 
means to detain people or not, I cant say — but in regard to Blaves 
their actions have been consistent with the doctrine, however absurd — 
It has so far avail'd as to influence many to stay, who would otherways 
have gone. 

April 11///. Nothing but a continual round of company has pre- 
vented my writing you before this, but one of your liberal principal-, 
am pers waded, will not only forgive the neglect, but rejoice in our de- 
liverance, as well as sympathize with us in all the difficulties we have 
gone through. Nor are my anxieties yet at an end. Your favor of 
the 26th ult. by express, concludes Ruthy u> be with me before this, 
but you undoubtedly will be surpriz'd, that after above three weeks 
liberation, I am still without her, and all owing to the unkindness of 



96 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 

Sam., who was down a few days after our deliverance, and contrary to 
my must sanguine expectations, came without her, nor could I prevail 
on him to stay and take care of the extensive charge I had on my 
bands, while I went and fetch'd her; notwithstanding which 1 was de- 
termin'd at all events to go and leave my affairs to chance, hut he 
urg'd the badness of the road-, the impossibility of a carriage's passing, 
the uncertainty as to the designs of the fleet, the melancholly appear- 
ance of the town, &ca., all which I esteem'd as mere trifles and of no 

i sequence, but finally to answer his own purposes, and keep her as 

company for his wife, whom he dont intend to bring to town for a 
month or two, he promis'd me it' I would make myself easy, I might 
depend on his bringing her the next monday, or tuesday at farthest, 
but now its a fortnight since, and all the satisfaction I've had, is a 
letter or two from him, amusing me with his intentions of coming at 
this and that time, when its now out of my power to go myself, as I 
understand a warrant is issued to seize the remaining furniture of your 
uncle Joe's, which I must he upon the spot to prevent, if possible. I 
suppose 1 -hall make myself Enemies by it, but I'll do my duty at all 
events. 

I should have set out for Haverhill the day after the troops evac- 
uated the town, had not the small po\ prevented my lad from coming 
in, which dithetiltie still continues. By the earne-t perswasion of 
your uncle's friends and with the advice of the select men, I mov'd into 
his house, at the time the troops &ca., were preparing for embark- 
ation, under every difficulty you can conceive at such a time, as every 
day presented us with new scenes of the wantonness and destruction 
made by the soldiers. 1 had the care of six houses with their furni- 
ture and as many stores fill'd with effects for eleven months past, and 
at a time like this 1 underwent more fatigue and perplexity than I did 
through the whole siege; for I was oblig'd to take my rounds all day, 
without any cessation, and scarce ever fail'd of finding depredations 
made upon some one or other of them, that 1 was finally necessitated 
to procure men at the extravagant rate of two dollars a day to sleep 
in the several houses and stores for a fortnight before the military 
plunderers went oil' — for as sure as they were left alone one night, so 
sure they were plunder'd. Poor lien, in addition to his other misfor- 
tunes suffer'd in this; the fellow who took charge of his house neg- 
lected to sleep there the third night, being affrighted, the consequence 
was. a party of soldiers gol in. went into his cellar, took liquors from 
thence and had a revelling frolick in his parlour, carried off and de- 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 07 

stroy'd of his furniture &ca., to the value of two hundred sterling — 
which was not to be nam'd with what fifty other houses suffer'd, or I 
may say a hundred. 

I was oblig'd to pay at the rate of a dollar an hour for hands to 
assist me in moving; such was the demand for laborers, that they were 
taken from me, even at that, by the tories who bid over me, for the 
sake of carrying away other people's effects, wherever they could come 
at them, which so retarded my moving that I was oblig'd to have my 
kitchen furniture in the house I left — consequently it was broke 
open and rummag'd, and with all my crockery ware carried oil'. Wat 
has strip'd your uncle's house of every thing he could conveniently 
carry off, which had I have known that had been his intention I would 
by no means have consented to go into it. but as I had mov'd most of 
my heavy things while he was preparing to go, it was too late for me 
to get off, when I discovert! it. Your uncle Jerry was almost frantic 
about it, and said he should write his brother and acquaint him that I 
was knowing to it, and yet permitted him to do it; little thinking that 
it was not in my power to prevent his carrying off every thing, if he was 
dispos'd to do it, as I only took charge of the house as his (Wat's) 
substitute. He has left all the looking glasses and window curtains, 
with some tables and most of the chairs ; only two bedsteds and oik; 
bed, without any bedding or sheets, or even a rag of linnen of any 
kind. Some of the china and principal part of the pewter is the sum 
of what he has left, save the Library, which was pack'd up corded 
to ship, but your uncle Jerry and Mr. Austin went to him and abso- 
lutely forbid it, on his peril. He treated them in a very rough, cavalier 
way; told them they had no right to interfere with his business; he 
should do as he pleas'd, and would not hear what they had to say. 
I. pon the whole, I dont know but what it would have been as well if he 
had taken them, seeing matters are going to be carried with so high 
a hand. For my further comfort, 1 have Boston upon my hands with a 
confirmed consumption upon him, whom I had not the least thought of 
being troubled with, as he was in the service of Major Smelt of the 
17th and had embark'd with him, but was sent on shore again, on 
account of his sickness. 

I am well in health, thank God, and have been so the whole of the 
time, but have liv'd at the rate of six or seven hundred sterling a 
y ear — for I was determin'd to eat fresh provissions, while it was to be 
o.t. let it cost what it would ; that since October I have scarce eat 
three meals of salt meat, but supply'd my family with fresh at the 

13 



98 LETTERS OP JOHN ANDBEWS. 

rate of one Bhilling to one shilling and sixpence sterling the pound. 
A\" luii wood was to be got, was oblig'd to give at the rate of twenty 
dollar- a cord, and coals, though government had a plenty. I could not 
procure (nol being an addressor or an associator) though I offer'd 30 
bigh as fifty dollars for a chaldron, and thai at a season, when Nabby 
and John, the only belp I had, were under inoculation for the small 
pox, that if you'll believe me, Bill, I was necessitated to burn horse 
dung. Many were the. instances of the inhabitants being confin'd to 
the Provost for purchasing fuel of the Soldiers, when no other means 
offer'd t" keep them from perishing with cold — Yet such was the 
inhumanity of our masters, that they were; even deny'd the priviledge 
of buying the Burplusage of the soldier'.- rations. Though you may 
think we hail plenty of cheese and porter, yet we were oblig'd to give 
from fifteen pence to two shillings a pound for all we eat of the former, 
and a loaf of bread of the size we formerly gave three pence for. 
thoughl ourselves well off" to get for a shilling. Butter at two diil- 
lings. Milk, for months without tasting any. Potatoes, from nine 
shillings to ten shillings and sixpence [a] bushel, and every thing else in 
the same strain. Notwithstanding which. Bill, 1 can safely say that I 
never sutl'er'd the least depression of spirit-, other than on account of 
not having beard from Ruthy, in one season, for near five months — 
for a perswasion, that my country would eventually prevail, kept up 
my spirits, anil never suffer'd my hopes to fail. 

Do tender my best regards to Colonel Miffling and Lady, and tell 
him that 1 have this day got the apples he was kind enough to order to 
be sent me. They have been laying for ten days past in a remote part 
of the town and 1 not made acquainted with it till last evening, whereby 
they are chiefly carried oil', and most of the remaining ones rotten. 
Am much oblig'd to him, notwithstanding, as the state they are in by 
no means lessens the merit of the donor. Tell him farther that my 
wishes are answer'd. The brave Captain Manly lias taken the Brig 
that contained that cursed villain. Civan Brush, with great part of the 
plunder he rob'd the stores of here, that I immagine -he must be 
the richest vessel! in the fleet. The brave General Warren is to 
be interr'd this afternoon with all the honors his great merit deserves, 
an oration is to he deliver'd at the C'haple. Last Tuesday week I had 
the honor of General Washington with his lady. General Gates, Mr. 
Custos and Lady, with Aid de Camps. &ca., to dine with me. with no 
earlier notice than halt' past eleven the same day. So good an oppor- 
tunity as by -Mr. llanimatt (who conies your way to fetch home Breck's 



LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 00 

little daughter) I thought I would not omit, but I find I have been so 
prolix, thai I believe you'll be tired before you'll half peruse it, musl 
requesl you'd not let any body see it. as 1 wrote it in the greatesl 
hurry, and with continual interruptions.* 



* The following is a copy of Mr. Barrell's reply to this letter of April 11th, 177G, 
from Mr. Andrews. By its date, we can form an estimate of the time then consumed in 
travel between Huston and Philadelphia: — 

"Philadelphia, May the 1st, 1770. 

"Dear Jack, — Congratulations, sincere congratulations, my dear Lad, on the 
happy change of your situation. After twelve months separation from one's dearest 
connections and friends, shut up in a besieged town, garrisoned by one's worst enemies, 
disappointed, mortified, and exasperated with their disgraceful situation, suffering in 
addition to the natural distresses of a besieged, numerous and streightened garrison, 
the insulting taunts and merciless cruelties of inraged Tyrants, to have a free commu- 
nication at once set open for the tender and indearing embraces of husbands and wives, 
parents and children, brothers and sisters, and friends of every degree and denomina- 
tion, must present a scene that beggars all description. The lordly tyrants of yesterday, 
confiding in their strong holds, spreading destruction and plunder through a distressed, 
defenceless city, this day quitting their dependances in haste and confusion, carrying 
with them the distresses of a long and severe seage to the still greater distresses of a 
boisterous voyage, while our friends are mounting their deserted ramparts, and bringing 
with them joy and peace, refreshment and plenty — such a change merits the highest 
congratulations, and demands the warmest returns of gratitude to the alone Author of 
Bliss and Peace. The complaining parts of your letter by Mr. Hamet is set to rights 
by a letter from Sam. dated six days after. The greatest allowances are to be made for 
your circumstances, and I believe so situated I should have acted with less prudence than 
yon have done. Yet I think a more favorable cau^e might have been assigned why 
Ruthe was so long detained from you. 1 will not pretend to acquit or condemn Sam. in 
this matter, as I am ignorant of the cause, but this I must say, very weighty reasons 
alone can justifie it; as you are convinced of his innocence, you are satisfied with the 
reasons, and consequently every disagreeable reflection has vanished. May your pn 
happy union be no more interrupted, but your future days be crowned with such happy 
circumstances a- to remind you of your pa~t troubles but with pleasure. I am not much 
surprised at Wat's conduct. It seems passive obedience and non resistance are. incom- 
patible with honor, gratitude and justice. I applaud your conduct in sparing no 
cost to make yourself and dependants as comfortable as your situation could be 
made, and rejoice witli you in the preservation of your health and spirits. Had your 
persuasions have been impressed on the minds of some others, it would have saved the 
just confusion that has overtaken many, and which I trust in God will be the fate of 
every enemie to his country. Colonel Mifiin being at New York, puts it out of my 
power to comply with your request respecting him at present. I am glad you were 
honored with the General's company, &ca. Major Palfrey, who is promoted to the 
ollice of Paymaster General, and left this town yesterday, has given me an account of 
that visit. I wish Ruthe could have been with you to do the honors of your table on 
the occasion. My love to Ruthe, with a suitable remembrance to all friends, concludes, 
my dear Jack, Your very affectionate friend and brother." 

The following extract from a letter of Mr. Barrell's to Hayley and Hopkins, London 
(March 25th, 177:) I, may possess some interest, as showing the character of his literary 
taste in the list of books he orders them to send him: — 



100 LETTERS OF JOHN ANDREWS. 



" You will oblige me much by procuring the underrnention'd books of the best 
editions, a good Tipe, on good paper, neatly bound, gilt and letter'd, which yon will 

please forward with my Fall G 1-. . . . 

it edition of Ctrorchil'a Works, small octavo. 

A ditto of Stern's Works, Compleat, ditto. 

A ditto of Roderick Random, ditto. 

A ditto uf Peregrine Fickle, ditto. 

A ditto of Tolemachus, ditto. 

A ditto of Gil Bias, ditto. 

A ditto of Mis. Macauly's History of England, large octavo. 

A ditto of Hutchinson's History of New England, ditto. 

A ditto of Johnson's Dictionary, 2 vols, letter'd, ditto. 

A new ditto of the New Testament, not divided in chapters and verses, ditto, and 
five setts of the newest and most approved Novels, including the Vicker of Wake 
and such like." 






LETTERS 



JOHN ANDREWS, ESQ., OK BOSTON 



1772-1776. 



COMPILED AND EDITED FROM THE ORIGINAL MSS. 
WITH AX INTRODUCTION, 



By WIXTliHOP SARGENT. 



gjUprintri) from tbc prottcdiuos of the gftassacfniBrttfl iiutorictl Sorittji 



F 

.44 



C A M J'. RIDG K : 

PRESS OF JOHN WILSON AND SONS. 

1866. 



V,.o^ c 

BINDpd'v 



